ABOUT US
Welcome to the Center for Healthy Minds.
How can we strengthen the ability to flourish – in individuals, communities and for the planet?
Experts and leaders in their fields come together at the Center for Healthy Minds at University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the world’s top research institutions, to investigate questions like this.
Known for our foundational research on the neuroscience of wellbeing and the impact of contemplative practices like meditation on the brain, the Center uses tools, methods and approaches that bridge:
Psychology
Neuroscience
Psychiatry
Education
Humanities
Genetics
Molecular biology
Economics and more.
Empowered by the visionary leadership of our faculty and directors—and sustained by the dedication of our staff, post-docs, students, partners and donors—the Center stands as a vibrant interdisciplinary collective. We advance the study of wellbeing across the human lifespan and within diverse settings, from classrooms and hospitals to justice-involved populations and contemplative communities.
Building upon decades of pioneering research, the Center was founded in 2009 by Dr. Richard J. Davidson, world-renowned neuroscientist, author and current Center Director. Our work bridges rigorous lab science with real-world applications, like meditation-based interventions and personal digital wellbeing supports.
In the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea—that our work at the university should have an impact across communities far and wide—the scope of the Center continues to expand to include science-backed programs and initiatives.
We strengthen our mission and research by collaborating with the non-profit Humin (formerly Healthy Minds Innovations). Launched in 2014, Humin helps bring our science to life through tools like the free Healthy Minds Program app, which is now used by over a million people worldwide and is both a wellbeing resource and a platform for scientific discovery.
We invite you to be a part of our Healthy Minds community, learn more about our shared work, and join us in supporting science for a flourishing world.
Thank you for being here!
Our Mission
To cultivate wellbeing and relieve suffering through a scientific understanding of the mind
Our Vision
A kinder, wiser, more compassionate world
Our Core Values
Conduct our work with rigor
Make an impact on the world
Cultivate a prosocial workplace