Dr. Edyta Chlebowska is an Assistant Professor at the Cyprian Norwid Research Center, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. Specializing in the visual art and literary legacy of Cyprian Norwid, she explores intersections between Polish Romanticism, art history, and cultural studies. Her work extends to album art analysis and interdisciplinary connections with music (e.g., Pink Floyd, Czesław Niemen). Her research focuses on Norwid's self-portraits, eschatological themes in his drawings, and comparative studies with 19th-century Warsaw painting. She reconstructs lost artworks, documents private collections (e.g., Konstancja Górska, Victor Gomulicki), and examines Norwid's reception in Florence and Odessa. Key projects include translating Studia Norwidiana and critical editing of Norwid's complete works. As editor-in-chief of multiple On Cyprian Norwid. Studies and Essays volumes and organizer of conferences like Niemen Non Stop and Colloquia Norwidiana , she bridges academic rigor with public engagement. Her publications span peer-reviewed books, journal articles, and popular science pieces, emphasizing Norwid's unpublished works and symbolic programs.
David Germano is Professor of Tibetan and Buddhist Studies at the University of Virginia's College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Religious Studies. He also holds a Clinical Professor appointment in Nursing and serves as Director of multiple centers including the Tibet Center, the Contemplative Sciences Center, and SHANTI (Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts Network of Technological Initiatives). Since 2000, he has directed the Tibetan and Himalayan Library, establishing himself as a leading figure in Tibetan studies and digital humanities. Germano earned his B.A. from Notre Dame University in 1984 and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin in 1992. His academic career at UVA progressed from Assistant Professor (1992-1998), to Associate Professor (1998-2011), and finally to Professor (2011-present). His research focuses on the Nyingma and Bön lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly tantric traditions and Buddhist philosophy from the eighth to fifteenth centuries. He also studies Tibetan history and literature, contemporary Tibet (especially regarding religion, education, and technology), and digital humanities. Germano is particularly interested in engaged scholarship that inserts higher education into a socially transformative role across various sectors. Germano's publications reveal a consistent focus on Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with particular emphasis on Dzogchen (Great Perfection) teachings, visionary movements, and the intersection of traditional practices with contemporary contexts. His work spans religious studies, anthropology, digital humanities, and Tibetan cultural studies, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches to understanding Tibetan Buddhism and its modern manifestations. As a leader in digital humanities, Germano has pioneered numerous initiatives including the Tibetan and Himalayan Digital Library, the Tibetan Unicode Project, the Tibetan Literary Encyclopedia, and the Tibetan Language Learning Resources initiative. He has also co-directed the UVa-Machik Geotourism Initiative and the Tibetan and Himalayan Historical GIS project, demonstrating his commitment to innovative approaches for preserving and disseminating Tibetan knowledge.
Paul Harrison is the George Edwin Burnell Professor of Religious Studies at Stanford University , with a courtesy appointment in East Asian Languages and Cultures. He serves as Co-Director of the Ho Center for Buddhist Studies , focusing on Buddhist literature, history, and manuscript analysis across Mahāyāna and Mainstream traditions. Specializes in Buddhist manuscripts in Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan Current projects: Editions of the Vajracchedikā (Diamond Sutra) and Vimalakīrtinirdeśa Research emphasizes textual authority, transmission, and innovation in Mahayana Buddhism Contact: paulh1@stanford.edu | Office: Building 70, Room 72E
Jeffrey S. Lidke is a Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Berry College. He holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado (1990), M.A. (1996), and Ph.D. (2000) in South Asia Religion and Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. A Fulbright Dissertation Fellow to Nepal (1996-97), his research focuses on Nepalese Tantra, South Asian religious traditions, and the intersection of contemplative practices with neuroscience. His major works include The Goddess Within and Beyond the Three Cities (2017) and Viśvarūpa Maṇḍir: A Study of Chaṅgu Nārāyaṇa (2017). Key research areas include Śākta Tantra's political theology, Abhinavagupta's monistic philosophy, and the neuroscientific implications of Tantric meditative practices. His work bridges textual analysis with ethnographic fieldwork in Nepal and India. Education: B.A., Religious Studies, University of Colorado (1990) M.A., South Asia Religion and Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara (1996) Ph.D., South Asia Religion and Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara (2000) Research Interests: Indian and Nepalese Tantra Kashmir Śaivism Cognitive Neuroscience of Contemplative Practices Embodied Mysticism in Art and Dance Maṇḍala Theory and Political Theology Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on the Sarvāmnāya Tantra system Explored neuroscientific applications of Tantric meditation Edited volumes on South Asian religious practices and ecology Awards: Fulbright Dissertation Fellowship (1996-97) Professional Activities: Co-editor of Southeast Review of Asian Studies Interviews on Tantric philosophy and Yoga-Neuroscience connections
Zoran Josipovic is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at New York University's College of Arts & Science. He is also the founding director of the Nonduality Institute, an independent research center exploring nondual awareness. His expertise spans consciousness studies, meditation neuroscience, and cognitive/affective neuroscience. Education: PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience (Union Institute & University), MA in Clinical Psychology (John F. Kennedy University), BA in Asian Religions (SUNY) Research focuses on nondual awareness mechanisms, meditation's effects on epilepsy, and consciousness neurobiology. He investigates how practices like Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, and Advaita Vedanta influence neural processes. His work bridges contemplative traditions with modern neuroscience through studies on self-awareness, brain networks, and minimal phenomenal experience. Recent publications explore reflexivity gradients in consciousness, implicit-explicit nondual awareness dimensions, and neural correlates of prayer in addiction recovery. His grants include funding from the Mind Science Foundation and Yoga Science for nondual awareness research. Awards: 2010 Tom Slick Award for Consciousness Research, multiple grants supporting meditation-epilepsy studies Teaches courses like 'Consciousness and the Brain' and 'Mindfulness & Transformative Technologies.' Active in professional societies including the Association for Psychological Science and Society for Neuroscience. Operates the Nonduality Institute, conducting empirical studies on nondual experience and offering online meditation education. A lifelong practitioner of nondual traditions, he integrates clinical psychology with contemplative practice instruction.
Yanli Lin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology within the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Arkansas. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Michigan State University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Cognitive Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis (2020–2024). Position: Assistant Professor Institution: University of Arkansas School: College of Arts & Sciences Department: Psychology Email: yanlil@uark.edu Her research focuses on understanding how mindfulness and contemplative practices influence attention, emotion regulation, cognition, and interpersonal behavior, with an emphasis on the mind-brain-behavior relationship. She employs cognitive neuroscience methods, including EEG and statistical modeling, to investigate neural and behavioral effects of meditation in both health promotion and clinical contexts. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and religious studies. The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in studying distinct mindfulness states—particularly focused attention and open monitoring—on neural markers of emotion and cognitive control. Her work employs within-subject designs and advanced electrophysiological techniques to parse subtle differences in mindfulness-induced brain dynamics. These studies contribute to a growing understanding of how specific meditation practices can be precisely targeted for therapeutic applications. She has been recognized with several prestigious awards: NIH/NIA F32 National Research Service Award WUSTL McDonnell Center for Systems Neuroscience SGP Award Mind & Life Institute Francisco J. Varela Research Award Dr. Lin advises graduate students and leads a research laboratory focused on mindfulness and cognitive neuroscience. While specific grant details are not listed, her award history suggests active external funding. Her lab uses EEG and behavioral experimentation to explore how meditation shapes cognition and emotion, contributing to the scientific foundation for mindfulness-based interventions.
Professor Kaat Alaerts is a leading researcher at KU Leuven's Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, where she serves as Head of the Neurorehabilitation Research Group and Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Her work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and rehabilitation science to develop innovative interventions for stress regulation and social-cognitive functioning, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Her primary research interests span neurorehabilitation , oxytocin research , autism spectrum disorder , stress regulation , mindfulness and meditation , neurostimulation , and social cognition . Dr. Alaerts employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines neuroscientific, physiological, and behavioral methods to study both clinical effectiveness and underlying brain mechanisms of neuromodulatory interventions. The research output demonstrates a strong focus on exploring the therapeutic potential of oxytocin, particularly for autism spectrum disorder. Her work examines both the standalone effects of oxytocin and its synergistic effects when combined with mindfulness training or other interventions. A growing body of research also investigates the gut-brain axis in autism and the role of microbiome composition in social and stress-related difficulties. Dr. Alaerts has received notable recognition including the KAGB Clinical Medicine Award in September 2024 for her work on oxytocin administration in children with autism. Her research group has also been honored with multiple "Belgium's got talent" prizes from the Belgian College of Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Alaerts supervises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Margaux Evenepoel, Jellina Prinsen, Elise Tuerlinckx, and others who have made significant contributions to the field. Her research is supported by multiple substantial grants, including several ongoing projects running through 2028-2029 that investigate oxytocin's role in stress regulation for breast cancer survivors, autism, and other conditions. The Neuromodulation Laboratory, which Dr. Alaerts leads, focuses on three core domains: oxytocin neuropsychopharmacology, contemplative science and combinatory approaches, and neuroregulation techniques. The lab operates within a multidisciplinary network that includes the LBI - KU Leuven Brain Institute and maintains strong collaborative relationships across various research institutions.
Kristen Lucken serves as Lecturer in International and Global Studies, Religious Studies, and Sociology at Brandeis University, where she chairs the Interdepartmental Program in Religious Studies and directs the Master's in Global Studies program. Her appointments span the Department of Sociology and two interdepartmental programs, reflecting her interdisciplinary focus. Her educational foundation includes: Ph.D. from Boston University M.A. from University of Denver B.S. from The University of Montana Dr. Lucken's research centers on immigration , ethnic/religious pluralism , and nationalism , with particular emphasis on how religious and ethnic identities transform through migration. Having witnessed the dissolution of multi-cultural states in the former Yugoslavia (1990-1998), she examines Bosnian refugee experiences and transnational religious lives of immigrant communities, especially regarding identity maintenance through religious institutions. Analysis of her 2009-2021 publications reveals three dominant trends: sustained focus on Bosnian refugee communities in New England; expansion into comparative studies of religion in public institutions across the U.S., U.K., and Europe; and growing attention to contemplative practices as stress responses within religious frameworks. Her work consistently bridges sociology, religious studies, and migration theory. Her scholarly recognition includes: Earhart Fellowship, Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs, Boston University (2005-2006) Religion Fellowship, School of Theology, Boston University (2011-2013) While directing the Master's in Global Studies program, Dr. Lucken leads a collaborative cross-national project on religion in public institutions. Though specific student advising and grant details aren't documented, her leadership roles indicate significant programmatic responsibilities. Current research extends into spirituality's role within secular public frameworks through comparative international analysis.
John D. Dunne is a Professor and Distinguished Chair in Contemplative Humanities at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, holding an endowed position through the Center for Healthy Minds. He is affiliated with the Department of Asian Languages & Cultures and has served as its department chair. Dunne's research bridges Buddhist philosophy, contemplative practices, and cognitive science, focusing on mindfulness and compassionate training. He is a Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute and advises the Ranjung Yeshe Institute. His work includes translating Buddhist texts and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects. Education: PhD in Buddhist Studies from Harvard University (1999). Research emphasizes dialogues between Buddhist thought and modern science, with public engagement through organizations like the Upaya Zen Center and Gomde centers. Dunne teaches courses on flourishing, Buddhist philosophy, and contemplative practices, including ASIAN/PSYCH 120. His publications span academic journals (e.g., Mindfulness , Frontiers in Psychology ) and books like Foundations of Dharmakīrti’s Philosophy and translations of Nagarjuna’s Ratnāvalī . Scientific contributions include studies on meditation’s neurological effects, compassion cultivation, and mindfulness-based interventions. Awards include his Mind and Life Fellowship. He collaborates with institutions like the Center for Healthy Minds, exploring human flourishing and mental health. Recent work addresses psychedelic research and postmortem meditation states in Tibetan practitioners.
Gaston Bacquet is a Lecturer in Education Studies at the University of Glasgow's School of Education, specializing in Culture, Literacies, Inclusion & Pedagogy. A Chilean teacher trainer and educator based in Scotland, he also holds qualifications as a meditation and yoga instructor. With extensive international teaching experience across K-12 and higher education systems in Chile, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, the US, and UK, his work bridges practical pedagogy and theoretical innovation. His educational background includes a DipTESOL from Trinity College London, an MA in TESOL from the Institute of Education (UCL), and a PhD in Education from the University of Glasgow. Bacquet currently teaches in the MSc/MEd Education Studies program and leads the undergraduate Asian Religions course, while supervising dissertation students across the School of Education. Research interests center on nonviolence as transformative educational practice, with emphases on decolonial approaches, contemplative pedagogy, and inclusion of minoritized groups. His work integrates Buddhist philosophy, indigenous wisdom traditions, and international perspectives to challenge Western epistemological dominance. Key methodological commitments include participatory action research and qualitative approaches that prioritize community voices. Recent publications reveal evolving trajectories from language education toward decolonial nonviolence frameworks, with increasing focus on Global South contexts, indigenous knowledge systems, and teacher preparation. His 2024-2025 work shows intensified engagement with Buddhist-Christian dialogue, indigenous contributions to peace education, and practical applications of nonviolence in classroom power structures. As a supervisor, Bacquet mentors Master's students in inclusion, nonviolence, and educational ethics, welcoming PhD proposals aligned with his research interests. His professional activities span editorial roles with Cogent Arts and Humanities and SAGE Open , alongside active participation in international scholarly networks including the Comparative and International Educational Society and the European Network for Buddhist-Christian Studies. Professional affiliations reflect his interdisciplinary reach: British Educational Research Association (2021-present), American Educational Research Association (2022-present), International Society for Contemplative Research (2023-present), and the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (2025-present). His conference presentations consistently address nonviolence pedagogy, decolonial curriculum development, and participatory research ethics across global contexts from Chile to New Zealand.
Matt Denny is a Teaching Fellow in Film & Television Studies at the University of Warwick's Faculty of Arts, where he also serves as Widening Participation and Outreach Officer. He convenes core modules including Visual Cultures, Transnational Action Cinema, and Film Analysis and Methods for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, while acting as primary contact for SMLC Joint Honours students. He earned his First Class BA, MA for Research, and PhD (2016) all in Film and Television Studies from Warwick. His doctoral thesis examined film authorship and postmodern cinema, establishing foundations for his ongoing research trajectory. Denny's research centers on Film Theory with emphasis on authorship and representation, Contemporary Hollywood Cinema specializing in action genres, British Horror Cinema including folk horror and gothic traditions, and Film-Philosophy exploring post-structuralism and posthumanism. His work consistently examines intersections between genre conventions, philosophical frameworks, and contemporary socio-technological concerns. His 15 most recent publications reveal strong thematic continuity in folk horror studies, posthuman representations, and genre theory. Denny frequently analyzes how horror and science fiction reflect contemporary anxieties about technology, identity, and temporality, with recurring focus on folk horror's resurgence and AI's philosophical implications in cinema. Denny actively contributes to academic communities through memberships in The Fear Network, British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies (BAFTSS), and International Gothic Association. His public engagement includes podcast appearances on Gender and AI, Eavesdropping at the Movies, and TRT World discussions about Scorsese and Marvel cinema. Though previously conducting research primarily in personal time without institutional funding, Denny now benefits from 10% research allocation under Warwick's new workload model. He has presented at numerous international conferences while maintaining significant teaching responsibilities across multiple course levels. Denny leads departmental outreach initiatives and collaborates with Warwick's Institute of Advanced Studies through The Fear Network. His interdisciplinary approach connects film studies with philosophy, gender studies, and emerging technologies through projects like the Genetics: Science and Society module with IATL.
Lobsang Tenzin Negi is a Teaching Professor in Emory University’s Department of Religion and Executive Director of the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics (Emory Compassion Center). He leads initiatives integrating Tibetan Buddhist contemplative practices with modern scientific research, including developing programs like Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®), the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative (ETSI), and the SEE Learning® framework. Born in a Himalayan region, he holds a PhD from Emory University and a Geshe Lharampa degree from Drepung Loseling Monastery. His work bridges contemplative science, education, and global ethics, emphasizing compassion as essential for human flourishing. Education: PhD, Emory University, 1999 (interdisciplinary dissertation on Buddhist and Western approaches to emotions) Geshe Lharampa, Drepung Loseling Monastic University, 1994 (highest Tibetan monastic degree) MA, Institute for Buddhist Dialectics, 1984 Research & Programs: Compassion Science: Examines compassion’s effects on mental/physical health and social well-being through CBCT®. ETSI: Develops modern science curricula for Tibetan monastics, training them as educators and researchers. SEE Learning®: Global K-12/Higher Ed framework for social, emotional, and ethical education. Mind-Body Sciences Program: Offers study abroad courses in India, integrating Tibetan Buddhism with Western science. Recent Article Trends: Focus on compassion’s applications in healthcare (PTSD, depression, HIV), education (SEL frameworks), and interdisciplinary mind-body research. Studies emphasize measurable impacts on neurology, immune response, and behavioral outcomes. Awards & Honors: While no specific prizes are listed, his leadership roles and global partnerships (e.g., with His Holiness the Dalai Lama) reflect recognition in contemplative science and intercultural education. Grants & Advising: Oversees multi-year initiatives like Tibet Week and the Emory-Tibet Partnership renewal. Advises on global compassion programs and collaborates with institutions like the Piramal Foundation in India. Labs/Teams: Directs the Emory Compassion Center and collaborates with Drepung Loseling Monastery, Emory’s Institute of Tibetan Studies, and international partners to advance compassion-based research and education.
Ken Paller is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Program at Northwestern University, where he holds the James Padilla Chair in Arts & Sciences. He serves as Associate Director of the NIH/NINDS-funded Training Program in the Neuroscience of Human Cognition, dedicated to training future cognitive neuroscientists. Dr. Paller's research focuses on the intricate relationships between brain activity and conscious experience, particularly investigating how memories are formed, stored, and re-experienced. His laboratory has pioneered methods to strategically influence the mind during sleep to improve memory, creativity, and psychological well-being. His work spans multiple domains including memory consolidation during sleep, targeted memory reactivation, lucid dreaming research, and the neural correlates of conscious experience. Notably, he collaborates with Tibetan Monastic Scholars in research on sleep and dreaming, bridging scientific and contemplative traditions. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on sleep-dependent memory processes, with particular emphasis on targeted memory reactivation techniques, dream manipulation, and memory modification during sleep. His research demonstrates how sleep can be leveraged to enhance cognitive functions and potentially treat conditions like nightmares in narcolepsy. Dr. Paller received the prestigious Director's Pioneer Award from NIH in 2024 and holds the James Padilla Chair in Arts & Sciences at Northwestern University. His work has garnered significant media attention, featured in outlets including BBC World Service, The World Science Festival, Discover Magazine, NY Times, LA Times, The Economist, NPR Science Friday, and CBC Radio. As Director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Program and Associate Director of the NIH-funded Training Program, Dr. Paller plays a significant role in mentoring the next generation of cognitive neuroscientists. His Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (CNL) conducts cutting-edge research at the intersection of sleep science, memory research, and consciousness studies, with implications for both basic science and clinical applications.
Dr. Ivana Knežić serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Zadar, Croatia, where she has maintained continuous academic engagement since completing her doctoral studies. Her institutional affiliation encompasses teaching responsibilities across multiple philosophy subfields and active participation in scholarly research initiatives. Academic Background: PhD in Philosophy, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Zagreb (2011) Double Major in Philosophy and Sociology, University of Zadar (2007) Research Profile: Her scholarly work centers on Historical and Metaphysical dimensions of Philosophical Anthropology, with specialized investigations into Cartesian dualism, Neoplatonic contemplation theory, and Hobbesian political philosophy. She examines how metaphysical frameworks shape understandings of human nature, sociability, and cognition across ancient and modern traditions, frequently analyzing intersections between educational theory and anthropological presuppositions. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2017-2024) demonstrate sustained focus on three interconnected trajectories: Cartesian epistemology (particularly mathematical cognition and anthropological dualism), Plotinian/Platonic metaphysics of contemplation, and Hobbes-Rousseau comparative analyses of education's societal role. This body of work consistently engages with metaphysical foundations of human personhood while tracing conceptual transformations from antiquity to early modernity. Honors and Recognition: No scientific awards or fellowships documented in source materials Mentorship and Research: She conducts specialized seminars including Aristotle's Virtue Ethics, Metaphysical Thought, Berdyaev's existentialism, and Plato-Plotinus textual analysis. Her research contributions include participation in the national scientific project "Metaphysical Foundation of the Human Person" (2007-2013), which investigated ontological frameworks for understanding human existence. Current scholarly activities continue this exploration through publications examining contemplation-creation dynamics across philosophical traditions. Professional Engagement: As an active member of the Croatian Philosophical Society, she contributes to national philosophical discourse through conference participation and collaborative scholarly initiatives, maintaining connections within Croatia's academic philosophy community.
Vincent Debiais is a CNRS Research Director affiliated with the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) and Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art (INHA) in Paris. He leads the research team 'Anthropologie Historique du Long Moyen Âge' (AHLoMA) at the Centre de Recherches Historiques. Education: PhD in Medieval History, University of Poitiers (2004) Habilitation in History of Medieval Art, University of Poitiers (2015) Research Focus: Debiais investigates intersections of written and visual culture in medieval artifacts, specializing in epigraphy, visual theology, and material practices. His current projects examine representations of silence in sacred imagery and abstraction in medieval artistic traditions, combining anthropological approaches with historical analysis. Publications Analysis: His recent works demonstrate consistent focus on materiality of medieval inscriptions across diverse media (stone, textiles, ivories). Key thematic clusters include liturgical objects, funerary epigraphy, visual silence, and methodological innovations in analyzing medieval graphic practices. Awards: Herbert L. Kessler Prize for Medieval Art History (2022) Research Leadership: He directs the international team 'Arts et Intelligences du Silence' (EHESS, 2020-2024), coordinating interdisciplinary research on silence in humanities through seminars, publications, and resident scholar programs.
