The Contemplative Studies Centre is here to guide and support you in making evidence-informed decisions for your practice. Join us as we delve into diverse contemplative practices, uncover their impacts, and provide direction for your individual contemplative journey.
But what exactly are contemplative practices, and why are they the main focus of our Centre?
Discover the people, programs and initiatives shaping the Contemplative Studies Centre.
Our model
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. Our model is based on a strong research program foundation, which drives our interconnected education and practice programs:
Research
The Centre fosters truly interdisciplinary, evidence-based research into contemplative practice and methodology. We help evaluate the most effective methods for learning, practicing, and grasping contemplative concepts.
Education
The Centre is dedicated to developing and leading exceptional educational programs that inspire lifelong learning, fostering knowledge for the betterment and flourishing of society as a whole.
Practice
The Centre offers guided practice sessions for meditators of all experience levels. Our goal is to provide a diverse range of styles and techniques from both wisdom traditions and secular practices, allowing our community to explore various approaches and find the one that best suits their needs.
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.
Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam | Inaugural Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre
Our team
A/Prof Nicholas Van Dam
EA: Cathleen Benevento cjbe@unimelb.edu.au
nicholas.vandam@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Karin Matko
Our Research Higher Degree students
- Nicholas Bowles
Research project: Quantifying the dose-response effects of meditation
- Tim Wood
Research project: Investigating the range of meditation phenomenology
- Fatemeh Aghaei
Research project: Recognition of the effect of vocal hygiene combined mindfulness meditation in teachers with voice complaints to enhance teacher wellbeing
- Julia Adams
Research project: Differential predictors of engagement in meditation app use
- Prai Wattanatakulchat
Research project: Temporal dynamics of meditative mechanisms
- Anthony Bohm
Research project: Fostering adolescent wellbeing and resilience: Digital mindfulness training for adolescents
- Alice McAvoy
Research project: Better together? Mindfulness teachers’ perspectives on how the group format affects mental health outcomes in mindfulness-based programs
- Dinuk Welagedera
Research project: The interaction between meditation and lifestyle factors, and its effect on cognitive functioning
Our senior research affiliates
A/Prof Ana Eclair
Prof Graham Meadows
Prof Rob Moodie
Our research affiliates
Dr Anita Amorim
Dr Lydia Brown
Stephanie Campbell
Dr Ausiàs Cebolla i Martí
Dr Jasmine Childs-Fegredo
A/Prof Marcelo Demarzo
Prof Javier García Campayo
Dr Katherine Hoi Ying Chen
Dr Hannah Gould
A/Prof Takeshi Hamamura
A/Prof Caitlin Hitchcock
Dr Heena Kamble
Dr Deanna Kaplan
Prof Patrick Kor
Dr Jesus Montero-Marin
Dr Ivan Nyklicek
Dr Ulrich Ott
Dr Roman Palitsky
Dr Robert Walton
Dr Maris Vainre
Dr Lowri Wilkie
Prof Kathryn Williams
Prof Andrew Zalesky
Guided practice sessions
These sessions offer the opportunity to try guided meditation with expert teachers from various secular, faith and wisdom traditions.
Explore meditation traditions
Event recordings
Selected recordings are available from past workshops, panel discussions, webinars and guided meditation sessions.
Browse past events
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Our MBCT training pathway is ideal for clinicians, health practitioners, care providers and clinical researchers.
Learn moreUpcoming events
Past events
Explore the Contemplative Studies Centre’s educational offerings and projects.
Featured content
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Undergraduate Breadth Subject
This subject delves into the history, philosophy, and science of mindfulness and meditation, emphasising their real-world applications and ethical considerations.
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Contemplative Pedagogy
This project seeks to enhance the quality of teaching and enrich student learning experiences through the educational use of contemplative practices.
We aim to facilitate and foster truly interdisciplinary, evidence-based research into contemplative practice and methodology. Our mission involves the thoughtful examination of optimal approaches for learning, practicing, and understanding contemplative concepts and ideas.
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Get involved in our research
Many of our research projects rely on people like you volunteering to take part. Find out more about our studies.
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Research projects
Read more about our flagship research projects focused on understanding contemplative practices, mindfulness and meditation.
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Research publications
Browse our scholarly work in academic journal articles, book chapters, edited volumes and more.
Featured content
Email address: Contemplate-CSC@unimelb.edu.au
Mailing address:
Contemplative Studies Centre
Level 1, Melbourne Connect
700 Swanston St
The University of Melbourne
Parkville, VIC 3010
Find us on social media and join the conversation: #ContemplateUoM
