John D. Dunne

John holds the Distinguished Chair in Contemplative Humanities, an endowed position created through the Center for Healthy Minds. He also serves on the faculty of the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, including a rotation as department chair. John's work is motivated by CHM’s vision to reduce suffering and enhance flourishing, and he brings that motivation to his work on Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice, especially in dialog with cognitive science and secularized contemplative interventions. His publications range from technical works on contemplative theory to broader works on the practical study and application of practices like mindfulness. Recently, this research agenda has drawn him into collaborations in three broad areas: the nature of consciousness, the effects of intensive contemplative practice, and the development of contemplative approaches to education. John often collaborates with Buddhist communities, including educational initiatives such as the Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu. John also regularly collaborates with Mind and Life Europe, and he is a Fellow of the Mind & Life Institute, where he has previously served on the Board of Directors.