‘Pioneering.’ ‘A catalyst.’ ‘An incredible launch pad for impactful research.’ ‘A platform to better understand consciousness and our shared humanity.’ These are just some of the words people have used to describe Mind & Life’s Francisco J. Varela Research Grants. The program is named after our co-founder, neuroscientist and philosopher Francisco J. Varela, who believed that contemplative practices offer modern science novel, valuable methods for investigating human experience.
For two decades, the Varela Grants have supported the rigorous examination of contemplative practices and how these can be applied to reduce suffering and promote flourishing. Cumulatively, 227 Varela Grants totalling $3.3 million have been awarded to researchers in 14 countries. Grantees helped lay the foundations for the field of contemplative science, leading to groundbreaking applications in education, mental health, and other critical areas. Collectively, they have raised hundreds of millions of dollars in follow-on funding to continue their research.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this path-breaking program, we pay special tribute to all the Varela grantees whose work has shaped the field of contemplative science and to our visionary founding donor, Barry Hershey, whose inspiration and support have made this program possible.
“The Varela Awards demonstrate the possibilities that arise from seeding a field—the results of investing in the young scholars who are doing the deep investigations between science and contemplative practices have been profound. We have never supported any endeavor that has had more of an impact per dollar.”
—Barry Hershey, Hershey Family Foundation
We invite you to learn more about the impact of the Varela Grants through the voices and stories below.
On the Mind & Life podcast, Varela grantee Eric Garland discusses using mindfulness and other contemplative approaches for problems like addiction and chronic pain.
On the Mind & Life blog, Varela grantee and Communications Awardee Karen Bluth shares her work supporting the mental health of youth through self-compassion.
On the Mind & Life blog, Varela grantee Jyoti Mishra shares her research into the role of mindfulness in building climate resilience among students.
In his essay for Insights, Varela grantee Fadel Zeidan writes about transforming our relationship to pain through mindfulness.
On the Mind & Life podcast, Varela grantee Juan Santoyo dives into the intersection of basic neuroscience and community-based programs.
On the blog, Varela grantee and Catherine Kerr Award Winner Tish Jennings shares her work researching how mindfulness practices could alleviate teacher stress and improve classrooms.
