CALL FOR PAPERS

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS

24–25 October 2026
SOAS University of London
London, United Kingdom

Conference Theme

“Meditation and Mindfulness: Tradition, Practice, Research and Contemporary Perspectives”

The International Conference on Meditation and Mindfulness invites scholars, researchers, academics, practitioners, students, and professionals from around the world to present their research, perspectives, and experiences on meditation and mindfulness.

The conference provides an interdisciplinary platform for exploring meditation and mindfulness across Buddhist traditions, religious studies, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, education, sociology, anthropology, and contemporary society.

Meditation has been studied from historical, philosophical, religious, psychological and scientific perspectives, while contemporary mindfulness has developed into diverse forms of practice and research. The conference therefore welcomes both traditional and contemporary approaches and encourages dialogue between academic researchers and experienced practitioners.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

We invite individual papers, panel proposals, posters, workshops, and practitioner presentations addressing any aspect of meditation and mindfulness.

Researchers are encouraged to submit original work based on empirical research, theoretical analysis, historical study, textual research, comparative studies, fieldwork, case studies, or interdisciplinary approaches.

Suggested Conference Themes

1. Buddhist Meditation Traditions

  • Theravāda meditation
  • Mahāyāna meditation
  • Vajrayāna contemplative practices
  • Samatha and Vipassanā
  • Buddhist mindfulness and sati
  • Meditation and Buddhist philosophy
  • Historical development of meditation

2. Mindfulness and Psychology

  • Mindfulness and psychological wellbeing
  • Stress, anxiety and emotional regulation
  • Compassion and self-compassion
  • Mindfulness-based interventions
  • Meditation and positive psychology
  • Cognitive and behavioural approaches

3. Meditation and Neuroscience

  • Neuroscience of meditation
  • Meditation and brain function
  • Consciousness and contemplative experience
  • Neuroplasticity and meditation
  • Cognitive science and mindfulness
  • Scientific approaches to contemplative practices

4. Meditation, Religion and Spirituality

  • Meditation as religious practice
  • Contemplative traditions
  • Spirituality and mindfulness
  • Comparative religious approaches
  • Interreligious perspectives on meditation
  • Secularisation of contemplative practices

5. Meditation and Healthcare

  • Mindfulness in healthcare
  • Meditation and wellbeing
  • Clinical applications of mindfulness
  • Mindfulness-based healthcare programmes
  • Compassion-based practices
  • Ethical considerations in therapeutic meditation

6. Mindfulness in Education

  • Mindfulness in schools and universities
  • Meditation and student wellbeing
  • Teacher mindfulness
  • Contemplative education
  • Mindfulness and learning
  • Educational applications of meditation

7. Meditation and Contemporary Society

  • Mindfulness in modern society
  • Workplace mindfulness
  • Digital mindfulness
  • Meditation apps and technology
  • Commercialisation of mindfulness
  • Globalisation of meditation traditions

8. Philosophy, Ethics and Consciousness

  • Philosophy of mind
  • Ethics and meditation
  • Self, identity and consciousness
  • Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice
  • Meditation and human flourishing
  • Contemporary philosophical approaches

9. Intercultural and Interdisciplinary Perspectives

  • Meditation across cultures
  • Buddhism and contemporary global society
  • Cross-cultural approaches to mindfulness
  • Anthropology of meditation
  • Sociology of contemplative practices
  • Dialogue between scholars and practitioners

10. Emerging Research and Future Directions

  • New methodologies in meditation research
  • Advanced meditation research
  • Contemplative science
  • Artificial intelligence and mindfulness
  • Technology and meditation
  • Future directions in meditation studies

TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS

Individual Paper:
Academic presentation of original research or scholarly work.

Poster Presentation:
Presentation of research findings, projects, theoretical perspectives or innovative approaches.

Panel Proposal:
A coordinated session involving several speakers addressing a common theme.

Workshop:
Interactive sessions focused on meditation, mindfulness, research methods or practical applications.

Practitioner Presentation:
Presentations connecting meditation and mindfulness practice with contemporary research and lived experience.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Abstracts should:

  • Be written in English.
  • Clearly state the research topic and objectives.
  • Present the main argument, methodology or approach.
  • Highlight the significance of the contribution.
  • Include the author's name, institutional affiliation and email address.
  • Include 3–5 keywords.
  • Be approximately 250–300 words.

Authors may submit abstracts for in-person or virtual presentation, subject to the conference programme and acceptance process.

WHO SHOULD SUBMIT?

We welcome submissions from:

  • University professors and academics
  • Researchers and scholars
  • PhD and postgraduate students
  • Buddhist studies specialists
  • Meditation and mindfulness practitioners
  • Psychologists and mental-health professionals
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Educators and teachers
  • Religious studies scholars
  • Philosophers
  • Neuroscience and cognitive-science researchers
  • Independent researchers
  • Representatives of meditation and contemplative organisations

IMPORTANT DATES

Abstract Submission Opens: 1 May 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 September 2026
Notification of Acceptance: Within 7–10 days of submission
Early Registration Deadline: 31 August 2026
Final Registration Deadline: 30 September 2026
Conference Dates: 24–25 October 2026

PRESENTATION FORMAT

Accepted presenters may participate through:

In-Person Presentation
Present your research at SOAS University of London, London.

Virtual Presentation
Present remotely through the conference's online platform.

Pre-recorded Presentation
Submit a recorded presentation for inclusion in the conference programme.

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES

Selected papers may be considered for publication through appropriate academic publication channels, subject to editorial policies, peer review and acceptance.

Important: Participation or registration does not guarantee publication, Scopus indexing, or acceptance by any particular journal.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

The conference aims to create a meaningful international forum where scholars, practitioners and researchers can exchange ideas, examine diverse contemplative traditions, and explore the evolving role of meditation and mindfulness in contemporary life.

We warmly invite you to submit your research and become part of this international academic dialogue.

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT

Submit your abstract and join leading scholars, researchers and practitioners exploring the past, present and future of meditation and mindfulness.

International Conference on Meditation and Mindfulness
24–25 October 2026
SOAS University of London, United Kingdom