Abstract submissions are open until 30 November 2026 for the fourth International Society for Contemplative Research (ISCR) conference, taking place in Kyoto, Japan, from 18 to 22 May 2027.
The call welcomes researchers, scholars, practitioners and professionals working in contemplative studies and practice. The conference provides an international forum for exchange across scientific, humanities and professional perspectives.
Call for abstracts: how to participate
Proposals are welcome in four formats:
- Individual presentations: 20-minute oral presentations, including discussion.
- Panels: 90-minute sessions exploring a shared topic, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary dialogue.
- Posters: research contributions, including theoretical, historical, textual and methodological scholarship, work in progress and study protocols. Selected posters may also be considered for a five-minute Research Spotlight presentation.
- Pre- and post-conference workshops: interactive sessions of 90 or 180 minutes addressing contemplative scholarship and practice.
Abstracts must be written in English and follow the requirements for the chosen format. Individual presentations and posters require abstracts of no more than 250 words, with an additional limit of 1,500 characters, including spaces.
The submission deadline is 30 November 2026. Proposals must be submitted through the organisers’ online portal after reviewing the full guidelines.
Read the official call and access the submission portal.
Contemplative research, from Padua to Kyoto
The conference will take place at the Kyoto International Conference Center. ISCR supports rigorous investigation of contemplative and mind-body practices, encouraging interdisciplinary exchange and attention to their cultural contexts.
The Research Center of the Italian Buddhist Union co-organised the 2024 conference in Padua alongside Mind & Life Europe and the University of Padova. The Kyoto gathering offers a new opportunity to contribute to international dialogue on contemplative research.
