Abstract This funding mechanism supports projects that advance our understanding of wholesome mental qualities and positive interpersonal and social action related to Prosociality, Empathy, Altruism, Compassion, and Ethics (PEACE). Our use of the “PEACE” acronym is meant to encompass a range of wholesome characteristics, including gratitude, love, forgiveness, sympathetic joy, patience, and presence to others. With this program, we invite rigorous interdisciplinary research proposals that examine one or more of the following: - practices, methods, or interventions that may cultivate PEACE qualities,
- basic mechanisms (psychological, physiological, social, developmental, etc.) underlying PEACE qualities and their growth, and
- the development of measures to rigorously assess PEACE qualities in various contexts (both in the laboratory and in the real world).
While projects do not need to have an immediate applied component, applicants should make clear how the proposed research could support positive action in the world. In addition, we have a special interest in funding PEACE projects within the following focus areas: - Personal Well-being—Examining how to nurture positive emotions, including love, compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness, and the impact of negative emotions such as fear, anger, and anxiety in our lives.
- Compassionate Communities—Examining how the inner workings of the mind influence the formation of the views, behaviors, and social systems that separate us, and the role of contemplative practice in creating more compassionate communities.
- Human-Earth Connection—Investigating how the union of contemplative wisdom and science can lead to greater awareness of the interconnectedness of all life—and action—to support and sustain both individuals and the earth’s living systems.
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Eligibility To be eligible to a PEACE Grant, the Principal Investigator (and Co-Principal Investigator, if there is one) must have completed a research doctorate (e.g., PhD, EdD) and have sufficient training, experience and institutional resources to accomplish the proposed work. Mind & Life aims to maximize the benefits of diversity, and to use diversity as a tool for enriching the field of contemplative research. We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities; we are especially committed to supporting applicants from groups that are underrepresented in contemplative research. Mind & Life Grants are open to applicants of any country or citizenship.
Applicants to a PEACE Grant may not be actively funded through any Mind & Life research grant. Current Mind & Life research grantees must submit a final report and budget reconciliation for existing grants before applying for a new grant. Note that we do not allow two separate proposals in a given cycle from the same applicant (whether as PI or co-PI), or from different applicants for two aspects of the same project. |
