Since 2004, the Mind & Life Institute has funded transformative research exploring the intersection of contemplative practices and modern science. Our work and grant programs support interdisciplinary research projects that deepen understanding of the human mind while fostering well-being and reducing suffering.
In 2024, the Laurisa S. Dill Legacy Award was created, a $25,000 annual grant established by Laurisa’s family to honor her life and passion for mindfulness education and contemplative research. The award will fund one contemplative research project each year, continuing Laurisa’s commitment to advancing mental health, community well-being, and scientific inquiry.
Passionate about inspiring growth and change in people, Laurisa dedicated her career to teaching mindfulness and contemplative practices. The Laurisa S. Dill Legacy Award reflects this ethos, supporting research that explores contemplative practices as tools for advancing mental health and community well-being. Recent grantees have studied topics such as compassionate design for young adults with childhood-onset chronic conditions.
Mind & Life is grateful to partner with Laurisa’s family in honoring her memory. Through this annual award, Laurisa’s passion for mindfulness and contemplative science will inspire researchers and benefit communities for years to come.
To read more about Laurisa’s legacy, read our blog post.
Read the full Request for Proposals (RFP) for more information:
For any questions about the Mind & Life Research Grant program, please see the FAQ, or email grants@mindandlife.org.
Congratulations to our 2025 Laurisa S. Dill Legacy Awardee!
Laurisa S. Dill Legacy Award
Development of a Phenomenological Scale of Contemplative Practice in Early Adolescents
M. Jennifer Kitil
Young people today encounter many contemplative practices that help them manage stress, build awareness, and connect with others, such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Yet research has mostly focused on classroom- based mindfulness programs, leaving little understanding of the wider range of practices and how youth feel when engaging in them. This study addresses that …
