The mission of the Contemplative Sciences Center is to combine contemplation, connection, and research to enhance flourishing.
Founded in 2012 as the University of Virginia’s first in a series of new pan-University institutes, the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) bridges learning and research through immersive, experiential, and participatory learning aimed at integrating personal and intellectual understanding towards human flourishing in individuals and communities. It also advocates deeply contextual forms of resear
ch aimed at understanding human learning, development, and wellbeing. It is devoted to a new model designed to address some of the most persistent gaps facing higher education – the academic and the residential, the intellectual and the personal, learning and research, mind and body, and the diverse schools and disciplines – in order to help students and faculty alike reach their full potential. The University of Virginia, as a major research University with global reach, has eleven schools centered around the historical “grounds” designed by Thomas Jefferson: Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Business, Commerce, Continuing and Professional Studies, Education, Engineering, Law, Leadership/Public Policy, Medicine, and Nursing. The Contemplative Grounds initiative aims to facilitate new levels of innovation and efficiency in each of these schools through individuated planning and support as we collectively explore the ways in which contemplative practices, ideas, and values can transform learning, research, and engagement in each area. In order to accomplish this aim, we need to understand the academic fields, social domains of engagement, organizational units, distinctive challenges and gaps, and overall goals in each school, and then work in a mutually engaged fashion. Two schools – Nursing and Education – are already deeply committed to broad transformation, while a majority of schools have deep engagement, and all schools are involved. The long-term goal is for each of these schools to become a pioneer in holistic and systematic integration of contemplation within their respective fields in learning and research. At the same time, the University as a whole will become an environment hospitable to innovative partnerships across these schools and will serve as a model for the transformation of higher education.
07/29/2026
Last week, we hosted a Compassionate Schools Project retreat for educators with Charlottesville City Schools and Albemarle Co. Public Schools, who leave such a profound impact on the community around us. With sessions based around movement, reflection, and expression, we loved getting to practice, dance, and celebrate with you all!
Special thanks to our facilitators and CSP trainers 💙
07/16/2026
We've been having a great time hosting Orientation & Transition Programs in the Commons for 2026 Family Receptions at Summer Orientation!
No matter your place in the UVA family, we're excited to be a resource for you and yours. Visit our website or drop by our table at the resource fair to learn more!
csc.virginia.edu
07/02/2026
In observance of Independence Day, the Contemplative Commons will be closed tomorrow, Friday, July 3rd. We hope you have a safe and restful holiday weekend!
06/29/2026
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting CARELab 360 in the Contemplative Commons! Students met with community leaders, including Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade, across a week-long program to examine obstacles and solutions for the future of Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. During the week, students also learned about consciously utilize artificial intelligence to support research without replacing human design-thinking.
Learn more about CARELab with a story from our friends at 29 News, linked below!
In observance of Juneteenth, the Contemplative Commons will be closed on Friday, June 19. We hope you have a great holiday weekend!
Regular Friday activities will return Friday, June 26 ☀️
06/08/2026
Our Summer 2026 newsletter is here! Read all about highlights from our past semester at the link below. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on happenings around the Contemplative Sciences Center!
Be a part of our research! We're seeking adults ages 20-65 with some meditation experience to participate in a research study exploring the potential effects of visualization meditation and meditation in Virtual Reality.
Participants can earn up to $180 for taking part in this study.
For more information, visit the interest form at the link below!
We're excited to team back up with UVA Recreation this Summer for another Camping + Contemplation under the Cosmos! Join us in July for a weekend under the sun and stars with activities like hiking, star-gazing, and morning yoga.
Camping + Contemplation under the Cosmos for Summer 2026 is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community! To learn more or to register, visit the link below.
We're so excited to meet all of the alumni visiting Charlottesville next weekend for Reunions 2026! You can check out all Contemplative Sciences Center events for Reunions at the link below.
Check out UVA Alumni Association to get your tickets today!
Work with us at the Contemplative Commons! We're looking for a Lab Coordinator and a Lab Technician to join the CIRCL (Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab) at the Contemplative Sciences Center.
The Lab Coordinator will assist with the implementation and management of studies in the collaboratory.
The Lab Technician will assist the research team with the management of equipment, software, and data for several studies in the collaboratory.
Both positions will have opportunities to learn interdisciplinary research methods in practice and be an integral member of a dynamic team of collaborative researchers dedicated to studying contemplative practices.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by June 15. Both positions will remain open until filled. For more information, or to apply, visit the links below!
07/16/2026
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06/29/2026
06/18/2026
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06/01/2026
05/27/2026
05/21/2026