The Emory-Tibet Science Initiative

Our sincere gratitude to Dr. Gillian Hue and Dr. Michael Paul Black for their contributions to the Summer Pedagogy Program, where they taught a week-long neuroscience course to the ETSI Sustainability Cohort 2 monastic students from June 7–13. Through engaging lectures, presentations, and interactive discussions, students explored fundamental topics in neuroscience, such as brain structure and function, sensory systems, and neural communication. The course provided a rich introduction to key concepts in the field while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. We deeply appreciate the faculty for creating a meaningful and inspiring learning experience for our students.

Below are a few pictures from the course, including a group photo taken upon the completion of the neuroscience program.

We are delighted to share the successful completion of this summer’s week-long Pedagogy Course for the Sustainability Monastic Students (Cohort 2). Offered by Dr. Meena Balgopal and Dr. Tenzin Sonam, the course introduced some of the best practices in science teaching, including student-centered learning, active engagement strategies, and inclusive classroom practices. We are grateful to our instructors and participants for an enriching week of learning, reflection, and collaboration. Here are some photos from the training.

A group photo of the participating Tenzin Gyatso Science Scholars with Dr. Rob Roeser, Prof. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, and Tsondue Samphel from Emory University after finishing the three-part orientation course on Developmental Contemplative Science at the Drepung Loseling Meditation and Science Center. The orientation and the exchange of ideas and reflections were enriching and meaningful. We hope this new exploration will lead to new insights that foster human wellbeing and development across the lifespan.

Today, ETSI launched a three-part orientation course on the emerging field of Developmental Contemplative Science for the Tenzin Gyatso Science Scholars (TGSS) at the Drepung Loseling Meditation and Science Center. Facilitated by Dr. Rob Roeser, Research Director of the Emory Compassion Center's Research Unit, the course represents ETSI's newest educational offering and area of exploration.

Developmental Contemplative Science is an interdisciplinary field that examines how contemplative capacities and practices—such as attention, compassion, ethical self-regulation, and wisdom—can support human development across the lifespan, from childhood through adulthood. Taking a developmental perspective, the field explores how these practices can be adapted to meet the evolving cognitive, emotional, social, and ethical needs of individuals at different stages of life and within diverse cultural contexts, with particular relevance for education.

ETSI's Specialization Phase Summer Intensive Programs Started Today

The ETSI Summer Intensive Programs, consisting of a pedagogy course and a content specialization course, began today at Drepung Loseling Meditation and Science Center amid great enthusiasm. The programs will run through June 30.

The Pedagogy Program includes 65 monastic students from 13 institutions, including four nunneries. Its goal is to strengthen the capacity of monastic institutions to become increasingly self-sustaining in science education.

The Content Specialization Programs in physics, biology, and neuroscience represent ETSI’s most advanced science courses to date. Students have the opportunity to specialize in a single area of study, enabling them to develop deeper knowledge and a higher level of mastery in their chosen field.

Together, these programs reflect the growing commitment of monastic scholars to rigorous interdisciplinary learning and the continued integration of science and sustainability education within the monastic community.

In addition, Tenzin Gyatso Science Scholars participating in the two programs will take part in a three-session orientation and exploratory introduction to Developmental Contemplative Science, led by Dr. Robert Roeser, Prof. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, and Tsondue Samphel.

Here are some photos from Day 1 of the Summer Pedagogy and Content Specialization Programs.

With profound joy and deep satisfaction, we concluded our Center's conference, Advancing the Vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama through Science, Ethics, and Compassion, held from May 27–29, 2026, in celebration of the 90th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Over the course of three full and meaningful days, 280 participants from 17 countries—including representatives from 14 affiliate organizations across 11 countries, as well as monastic teachers, monastic science scholars, educators, and researchers—came together with a shared commitment to advancing a global culture of compassion. The rich sharing of experiences, ideas, and insights, the strengthening of connections across cultures and disciplines, and the many moments of joy and discovery have made this gathering deeply worthwhile.

We are deeply grateful to the Dalai Lama Trust, the Emory University, our amazing affiliates and participants, above all His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for the success of this endeavor. May the connections and collaborations that emerged continue to benefit many beings.

Emory Compassion Center staff and ETSI faculty in Delhi on the way to Dharamsala for the conference, 'Advancing the Vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama through Science, Ethics, and Compassion' (May 27–29, 2026), co-hosted by the Emory Compassion Center and the Dalai Lama Trust.

Looking forward to meaningful dialogue and shared learning in the spirit of compassion, ethics, and service over the next few days.

Today, we celebrate the release of Lobsang Tenzin Negi’s new book, Engaged Compassion: Seven Practices to Cultivate Resilience, Connection, and a Joyous Life. Drawing on decades of scholarship and collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Engaged Compassion integrates contemplative wisdom and modern science, rooted in CBCT® (Cognitively Based Compassion Training, to show that compassion is a trainable skill and offer a practical path to greater resilience, deeper connection, and enhanced wellbeing. Get your copy today: https://loom.ly/bRRsFqs

A meaningful evening of conversation and reflection last night with Prof. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Executive Director of the Emory Compassion Center, on his forthcoming book, Engaged Compassion: Seven Practices to Cultivate Resilience, Connection, and a Joyous Life.

The fireside chat explored how compassion can strengthen resilience, deepen human connection, and support a more joyful and meaningful life. The discussion also highlighted the growing importance of compassion-based approaches in education, leadership, and community life.

Special thanks to Joe Crespino, Interim Dean of Emory College of Arts and Sciences, and Robert A. Paul, former Dean of Emory College of Arts and Sciences, for their thoughtful remarks, and to Gary Hauk, former Vice President of Emory University, for serving as interlocutor for the evening’s conversation. Along with Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Dr. Paul and Dr. Hauk were instrumental in founding the Emory–Tibet Partnership, the precursor to the Emory Compassion Center.

Some photos and video footage from the evening are shared here.

Join us for a thought-provoking fireside chat with Executive Director of the Emory Compassion Center, Lobsang Tenzin Negi, on his forthcoming book, Engaged Compassion: Seven Practices to Cultivate Resilience, Connection, and a Joyous Life. Drawing on decades of scholarship and collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. Negi bridges contemplative wisdom and modern science to illuminate compassion as a powerful, trainable skill. Grounded in CBCT® (Cognitively Based Compassion Training), Engaged Compassion offers a clear pathway to greater emotional resilience, deeper connection, and enhanced wellbeing.

📅 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
🕑 5:30-7:00pm ET
📍 In person at Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/EngagedCompassion