Science & Spirituality     « BACK TO OVERVIEW

Scientific research and spiritual inquiry can lead to a deeper understanding of love and forgiveness. We explore the foundations of love and forgiveness through intentional, purposeful inquiry based on scientific methods, in-depth dialogue, and spiritual practice.

how we do our scientific work

The Fetzer Institute’s scientific work develops through fidelity to a process of inquiry into specific questions of interest to the Institute. Our research priorities are rooted in the mission and programs of the Institute. Based on these priorities, we develop specific research strategies in collaboration with prominent scientists and scholars in the field of interest. Research strategies may include “seeding” an emerging field of scientific inquiry, funding new studies, or supporting the extension of previous work.

Examples of different approaches to funding research studies include:

• Large demonstration projects (e.g., the Shamatha Project)
• Major support for an influential center or initiative at a leading research institution (e.g., the Fetzer Initiative on the Neuroscience of Compassion, Love, and Forgiveness, at the University of Wisconsin)
• Creating research networks to conduct collaborative research projects (e.g., the Fetzer Forgiveness Researcher Network)
• Requests for proposals (e.g., on compassionate love).
• Collaborating with individual investigators to develop specific research proposals