At MLE, we facilitate generative encounters that encourage an ongoing circulation between different disciplinary perspectives, between theory and practice, and between contemplative, philosophical, and scientific approaches to the mind. We do this primarily through curating a lively line-up of online and in-person dialogues, hosting interdisciplinary retreats and symposia, funding the next generation of researchers in contemplative science, and sharing cutting-edge findings in these fields with the general public. We work closely with researcher-practitioners in the fields of neuroscience, philosophy, education, ecology, contemplative practice, and the arts, and strive to build communities that foster open-hearted and radically honest interactions.
Grants
Since 2014, Mind & Life Europe has been supporting young researchers with our annual awards (now worth up to €23,500), the European Varela Awards, named after the neuroscientist and philosopher Francisco J. Varela, in support of contemplative research.
Events
Mind & Life Europe hosts live in-person and online events throughout the year, bringing together learners, scholars, and practitioners of diverse disciplines – including philosophy, science, education, contemplation, and art.
Network
As a home for interdisciplinary dialogue, we foster the growth of an open-minded and open-hearted community of learners, scholars, and practitioners through dedicated and intimate spaces both in person and online.
Partnership
We work with a growing number of like-minded organisations to extend our impact and support in the arena of contemplative science and embodied multidisciplinary dialogue.
2024 High-Level Summary
Catalyzing Research and Facilitating Meaningful Dialogue
Starting in 2021, MLE has actively and dramatically extended the scope of its activities. Besides the more “traditional” array of initiatives, such as the European Varela Awards (EVA) and the European Summer Research Institute (ESRI), we have continued our online events from 2020, such as the ‘Mind Matters’ talks, the ‘Beyond Confines’ webcasts series, and the monthly webinars for MLE Friends. The MLE Retreat programme was launched to address the questions and difficulties that young contemplative scientists face in their lives and workplaces. We have also developed completely new programmes for the general public, such as our Varela 20/30 anniversary events and the Core Enaction Programme.
Key strategic organisational development projects have also been in the works, such as the integration of contemplative education into MLE activities, the development of mentoring programmes in contemplative science, the extension of our community in Eastern Europe, and increased efforts to include the next generation of researchers and practitioners in all our activities.
I. CORE PROGRAMMES IN 2024
1. European Summer Research Institute (ESRI): ‘Living in Groundlessness with Responsibility’ (4 – 8 August 2024, Italy)
2. Grant Giving: European Varela Awards (EVA)
3. MLE Retreat for young researchers and scientists (in-person events): ‘Opening Up the Space Between Us’ (31 July – 2 August, Italy)
4. Core Enaction Programme, Semester 4 (online, spring 2024)
5. Mind Matters Series 2024 (online, quarterly)
6. MLE Friends webinars (online)
7. Mind & Life Europe Podcast (online)
8. Making Room for Contemplation (online)
II. PARTNERSHIP EVENTS IN 2024
1. Land Art Event “Road to Montegrande, regarding Francisco Varela”
2. Conference ”The Elephant in the Room”
3. 8th Pioneers of Change Online Summit
4. Varela International Symposium 2024 “Sentience and Intelligence: AI, the More-Than-Human, and Us”
5. Training Embodied Critical Thinking and Understanding
6. Dialogue Between Scientists and Tsoknyi Rinpoche
7. 2nd Annual International Society for Contemplative Research Conference
III. PROGRAMMES DEVELOPMENT IN 2024
1. “Care for Life”– ESRI 2023-2025 “arc theme” development
2. “Opening Up the Space Between Us”– 2024 “MLE umbrella theme” development
3. “Gaia: Gateway to the Climate Conversation” – Mind Matters webinars 2023-4 theme development
4. “Power and Care” theme and sub-themes development
5. “Arts and Enaction” theme development
IV. ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT IN 2024
1. Outreach to Eastern Europe
2. Next generation development, “Mindful Researchers” programme
3. Communication and new website development
4. New fundraising model development
5. Capacity building, including volunteers
Our Impact
EVA Funding (since 2014)
- 10 Award Cycles
- 63 Projects Funded
- €942,000 Awarded
Audience Online (as of 2024)
- 3,600 YouTube Subscribers
- 150,000+ Total YouTube Views
- 1000 + Podcast Downloads
Audience In Person (2022 – 2024)
- 9 Events
- 38 Countries
- 550+ Participants
Diverse Activities (2022 – 2024)
- 17 partnership events
- 93 online talks
- A four semester course
- Regular contemplative practice sessions
New ideas & collaborations generated by encounters at MLE events
- 9 MLE Members’ Projects
- Mindful Researchers Initiative