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Statement on US Federal Policy Changes Affecting Research Funding and Diversity Initiatives

The International Society for Contemplative Research (ISCR) recognizes the significant impact that recent US federal policy changes may have on the American research community, particularly regarding National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and diversity-focused initiatives. These developments create uncertainty for many scholars and institutions engaged in critical research in the USA and beyond, including the study of contemplative practices and their contributions to health and well-being.

The Importance of Inclusive Research

Unique perspectives are essential for advancing scientific inquiry and ensuring that research benefits all communities. The study of contemplative practices has long drawn from a variety of cultural and scholarly traditions, highlighting the need for inclusive approaches that acknowledge different ways of knowing and experiencing the world. Changes in American funding priorities may present challenges for researchers working in these areas, particularly those focused on understanding the role of contemplative practices in fostering resilience, well-being, and social connection among vulnerable populations. These changes in policy in the US have the potential to affect our collaborative work around the globe.

While many of us may be affected by these policy shifts, it is important to recognize that the US administration’s current stance will disproportionately impact racially minoritized scholars, who already receive a smaller share of federal grant dollars across both junior and senior levels. This compounds existing inequities in access to NIH and NSF funding, further limiting opportunities for diverse scholars to advance their research and careers in the United States.

Similarly, even as we call for more inclusive contemplative research, the anti-DEI stance embedded in recent American policies may discourage studies focused on minoritized populations with regard to race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and sexual orientation, among other identities. Such studies already represent a small fraction of the overall US research budget—for example, research on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations accounted for just 0.17% of the NIH budget between 1992 and 2018. Can this share afford to shrink any further? The answer carries significant implications not only for equity in research but for the future of contemplative studies that seek to honor the rich cultural traditions from which these practices originate.

Supporting the Research Community – How YOU can help

In light of these changes, ISCR encourages scholars, institutions, and administrators both in the US and beyond to take proactive steps to support one another and sustain the momentum of important research:

For Senior Scholars and Mentors:

  • Offer collaborative opportunities to early-career researchers and students.
  • Provide mentorship and professional guidance to help emerging scholars navigate shifting landscapes.
  • Explore ways to support ongoing research efforts, including interdisciplinary collaboration and data-sharing initiatives.
  • If you are not located in the US, reach out to your American colleagues to provide support and international collaborative opportunities.

For Scholars Facing Uncertainty:

  • Consider strategies for adapting research approaches while maintaining a commitment to core areas of inquiry.
  • Engage in contemplative practices that promote resilience and well-being.
  • Seek out professional networks and communities for support and knowledge-sharing during this period of transition.

For Institutional Leaders and Administrators:

  • Foster inclusive environments that provide stability and encouragement for researchers.
  • Identify alternative funding mechanisms and institutional support structures to sustain vital research.
  • Encourage dialogue and collaboration to navigate evolving policies in a way that preserves academic and scientific integrity.

A Contemplative Approach to Change

ISCR remains committed to fostering an open and inclusive research community that values diverse perspectives and scholarly inquiry. As our recent conference invitation emphasized, contemplative practices provide valuable tools for engaging with complexity, uncertainty, and change. [Link]

We encourage members of our community to approach this moment with thoughtfulness, adaptability, and collaboration. By working together, we can continue to advance meaningful research and support the scholars dedicated to this work.

ISCR welcomes further discussion on how we can collectively navigate these challenges while upholding our shared commitment to scientific exploration, inclusivity, and well-being.

Share your Story

We want to understand how ISCR can support you and your research during this time. Please feel free to send an email to: iscr@podiumconferences.com

Share your real stories with the American Psychological Association about how policy changes are affecting your work and the people you serve. With your consent, we’ll use these examples to educate policymakers about the real-world impacts of their decisions.

ISCR Resources for Navigating Research Challenges

In light of recent American federal policy changes affecting research funding and diversity initiatives, the International Society for Contemplative Research (ISCR) offers the following resources to support our global community.

Professional Networks and Communities
  • Mind & Life Institute:
    A leading organization fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and research at the intersection of science and contemplative practices. They offer grants, host conferences, and provide a platform for collaboration among scholars.
    (org)
  • Center for Contemplative Research:
    Dedicated to the empirical investigation of the mind through contemplative practices, this center provides opportunities for researchers to engage in collaborative studies on consciousness and well-being.
    (org)
  • The Emergence Network:
    A trans-local collective focused on reimagining systems of knowledge, healing, and social change. The network supports initiatives that explore alternative epistemologies, embodied practices, and ecological wisdom, fostering connections across disciplines and cultures.
    (org)
  • NCCIH Coalition for Whole Person Health:
    A collaborative initiative by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) focused on promoting whole-person health through interdisciplinary partnerships. This coalition supports research on integrative approaches to health and well-being, providing networking opportunities for scholars engaged in mind-body, contemplative, and holistic health research.
    (nih.gov)
  • Global Academic Network:
    It is an academic network that aims to unite higher education institutions from different parts of the world that share a common vision for knowledge development. The GAN shape socially responsible professionals who enhance the quality of life for people and focus on unity. (https://gan.education/en/ )
Mentorship and Academic Support Organizations
  • NCFDD.org (formerly the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity:
    Provides professional development, training, and mentorship for faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. NCFDD offers structured programs to enhance productivity, maintain work-life balance, and foster success in academic careers.
    (https://www.ncfdd.org)
  • The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL):
    Supports graduate students and early-career researchers through mentorship, career development workshops, and teaching support, helping them prepare for academic and research leadership roles.
    (net)
  • The Wellbeing Thesis:
    A resource dedicated to supporting mental health and well-being among graduate researchers and academics. It provides practical strategies, reflective exercises, and guidance on maintaining balance in academic life.
    (org.uk)
Examples of Proposals or Language for Adapting Research Approaches
Alternative Funding Mechanisms

Philanthropic Foundations:

  • Fetzer Institute: Focuses on supporting projects that explore the intersection of mind, body, and spirit, fostering research on love, compassion, and community. (org)
  • John Templeton Foundation: Funds research and projects that explore life’s biggest questions, including consciousness, spirituality, human flourishing, and the intersection of science and religion. (org)
  • The Mind & Life Institute: Offers funding through its Varela Grants and Contemplative Changemaking Grants, focusing on the integration of contemplative practices with scientific research. (org)
  • 1440 Foundation: Supports well-being programs and initiatives that integrate mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and leadership development, with a focus on personal and societal transformation. (org)
  • Garrison Institute: Provides grants and hosts programs that promote contemplative practices in education, leadership, and environmental sustainability. (org)
  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dedicated to improving health and health equity in the United States. https://www.rwjf.org/
  • Mellon Foundation: Funds projects related to humanities scholarship, arts organizations, and initiatives that promote equity in education and culture. https://mellon.org/
  • Spencer Foundation: Offers grants for education-related research, including DEI-focused projects and initiatives that address systemic inequities. https://www.spencer.org/
  • Gates Foundation: Funds research and initiatives that address systemic inequities, particularly in education, health, and economic opportunity. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/
  • The Kalliopeia Foundation: Funds projects that cultivate ecological, spiritual, and cultural renewal, with an emphasis on integrating contemplative wisdom into contemporary challenges (org)
  • Tiny Blue Dot Foundation: Funds neuroscientific research related to expanding what they refer to as the “perception box”, e.g., beliefs, perceptions, narratives about the world, to minimize suffering, increase acceptance of self and others, and view trauma/other challenges as opportunities for growth. https://www.tinybluedotfoundation.org/
  • Canada’s Tri-Council (CIHR, SSHRC, NSERC): Offers opportunities for collaborative research involving Canadian institutions in areas such as health (CIHR), humanities/social sciences (SSHRC), and engineering/sciences (NSERC).
  • European Research Council (ERC): Provides grants for cutting-edge research across disciplines within the EU. Programs include Starting Grants, Consolidator Grants, Advanced Grants, and Proof of Concept. ERC Website
Advocate for DEI Research

Advocacy Groups:

Writing Platforms:

    Funding Freeze and NIH 15% IDC cap

    Government Websites:

    News Outlets:

    Professional Associations:

    Relevant Information:

    Actionable Steps:

    Resources to Support Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

    UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness: