Welcome from our Director
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the first point of entry into the world of mindfulness, meditation and contemplative practice at the University of Melbourne. Our establishment is due to the incredible generosity of Martin and Loreto Hosking. We will deliver ground-breaking research, innovative educational offerings and a world-class engagement series. We will also offer an opportunity for authentic practice, guided sessions and a place for inter-faith and wisdom discussions.
We hope you find much to inform your practice, life, work, and growth among the Contemplative Studies Centre.
Dr Nicholas Van Dam | Inaugural Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre
About
Amid the action and distraction that fills everyday life, contemplative practices help to provide insight and connection into who we are, who we want to be, and what is most meaningful to us. With foundations in introspection, connection and awareness, contemplative practices help individuals to achieve a quieting of the mind, realisation of what it is to be human, and aid in the development of a more balanced and ethical life. These profound practices have the potential to transform not just individuals but the entirety of human society, through greater connection.
We work with interdisciplinary collaborators across the University of Melbourne, in the community, and worldwide to develop, deliver, support and promote innovative and authentic contemplative study through our core activities that sit within our four pillars:
Research
The Centre will facilitate and foster truly interdisciplinary, evidence-based research into contemplative practice and methodology. The Centre will apply rigorous evaluation of mindfulness and meditation policy and programs to ensure authentic and efficacious contemplation-based offerings in Australia and beyond.
Education
The Centre will develop and lead the delivery of outstanding education and lifelong learning to encourage the pursuit of knowledge for the wellbeing and flourishing of society.
Practice
The Centre will deliver a world-class engagement program and forum for the transfer of knowledge, new ideas and discussion.
Scholarship and dialogue
The Centre will provide a forum for interdisciplinary discussion of traditional, contemporary, and academic/scientific understanding of contemplative practice and experiences.
News
Upcoming events
Past events
We aim to facilitate and foster truly interdisciplinary, evidence-based research into contemplative practice and methodology, and apply rigorous evaluation of mindfulness and meditation policy and programs to ensure contemplation-based offerings are authentic and efficacious.
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Seed funding program
Coming soon!
The Centre will invite proposals for innovative and interdisciplinary research projects or collaborations, book ideas, community engagement or educational programs with a focus on contemplative studies.
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Research projects
Coming soon!
Our flagship research projects are focused on mapping contemplative experiences and personalisation of contemplative practice in the modern era.
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Research publications
Coming soon!
We have compiled our scholarly work in the contemplative sciences, summarising key findings in the form of academic journal articles, book chapters, conference presentations, orations, edited volumes, and more.
Thank you for engaging with the Contemplative Studies Centre. As a friend and supporter of this Centre you will help create scholarships for our students, support groundbreaking research, and build important partnerships and support community engagement.
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Guided meditation sessions
The Contemplative Studies Centre are delighted to invite you to these guided practice sessions, made specially available throughout lockdown. You will have the opportunity to try guided meditation practice with expert teachers from many different faith and wisdom traditions.
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Recordings from events and media
We passionately foster discussion and and the exchange of ideas through our engagement activities. We hope you enjoy our event recordings, video interviews, podcasts, and other multimedia recordings.
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Partnerships
Coming soon!
Local and international partnerships are a core strength of the Centre. Partners will be strategically selected who lead and enhance the global research capacity, academic excellence, social reputation and humanity of the contemplative study discipline.
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Resources
Coming soon!
We are working to bring you a one-stop shop to answer all of your queries about mindfulness, meditation and contemplative practices and research.
Keep in touch! Find events, education opportunities, research and other news from across the Centre and our partners in industry.
Email us
Join the conversation: #ContemplateUoM
