On January 22-23, the Mindfulness Research Symposium & Retreat featured distinguished researchers from the fields of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and contemplative and behavioural sciences, along with activities and practices led by contemplative practitioners. Co-directed by Dr Elli Weisbaum (BPMH and Faculty of Medicine) and Sara Ahola-Kohut (Hospital for Sick Children), the Symposium was an example of the strength and richness of interdisciplinary collaboration and decolonial action.
Shown here are Dr. Debby Wilson Danard, Anishinaabekwe Traditional Knowledge Practitioner; monastics from Plum Village, France; singer, songwriter, social worker, and Dharma teacher, Joe Reilly ; and musician and Buddhist practitioner Ofosu Jones-Quartey (also known as Born I) – all performing at the University of Toronto during events hosted by the BPMH program – plus a traditional Cambodian Dharma song sung by Buddhist Studies scholar, Trent Walker.
The 2026 Mindfulness Research Symposium was presented by The Mindfulness Project at SickKids with the support of the University of Toronto’s New College Initiatives Fund, the Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health Program, the Buddhism and Psychology Student Union, and the Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Studies.
