The Evolution of Mindfulness: From MBSR to Modern Adaptations

Join us online for Brown University's mindfulness speaker series, featuring world-renowned experts and pioneers in the field.

The Evolution of Mindfulness: From MBSR to Modern Adaptations

Join us online for Brown University's mindfulness speaker series, featuring world-renowned experts and pioneers in the field.

Since the creation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, mindfulness-based programs have transformed millions of lives worldwide. Now, as our world faces unprecedented challenges and technological advances allow for more to be known about the human mind and condition, mindfulness programs are being reimagined and adapted to meet the complex needs of our time. 

Join world-renowned experts and pioneers in the field for an extraordinary multi-part journey exploring how mindfulness has evolved from its revolutionary beginnings to its innovative applications today. Discover how mindfulness programs all across the globe are being adapted to address modern challenges, from chronic stress and anxiety to societal polarization and collective trauma. 

Our Speaker Series is taking a summer pause and will return in September with new sessions featuring leaders in the field of mindfulness. Stay tuned for the fall schedule—we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Mindfulness Speaker Series Schedule

Missed a session?

Explore our full playlist of recorded sessions from the Mindfulness Speaker Series and continue your learning journey.

View Playlist

Who Should Attend

This series is open to mindfulness teachers, healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, organizational leaders, and all those interested in the role of mindfulness in creating a more compassionate, resilient world.

What to Expect

Each live, virtual session includes:

  • Thought-provoking presentations or conversations with leading experts.
  • Interactive Q&A sessions that invite audience engagement.
  • Opportunities to connect theory with practice in real-world settings.

Featured Speakers

The Mindfulness Speaker Series highlights leading voices in contemplative science, clinical practice, education, and public health. Past speakers have included Jon Kabat-Zinn, Richard Davidson, Zindel Segal, Isabel Roth, Elizabeth Hoge, and Judson Brewer—each offering unique insights into the evolving role of mindfulness in research, healthcare, and society. We continue to feature experts whose work advances the understanding and application of mindfulness across diverse communities and professional settings. If you’re interested in speaking or wish to recommend someone, we welcome your suggestions.

Featured Topics

Recurring themes include:

  • The future of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Trauma-informed and culturally responsive mindfulness
  • Mindfulness in clinical, organizational, and educational systems
  • Social justice, inclusion, and the ethics of teaching mindfulness
  • The science and evidence base behind contemplative practices
  • Innovations in training, facilitation, and program delivery

Continue Your Curiosity

Wherever you may be on your journey — whether just starting to discover what mindfulness has to offer or advancing your practice and career — Brown has a variety of programs to support your exploration.