Peter Malinowski, PhD, is the founding director of the Meditation and Mindfulness Research Group at the Research Centre for Brain and Behaviour, Liverpool John Moores University and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Liverpool. In his work he builds on his expertise in Cognitive Neuroscience and on his extensive experience in practicing and teaching meditation within the Karma Kagyu / Diamond Way tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
His research focuses on investigating how meditation practice influences psychological functions and the related brain processes. He is particularly interested in advancing meditation as a preventative approach and a way of unveiling inherent qualities of mind. In addition to research concerned with the underlying mechanisms of meditation, Dr Malinowski’s projects also take an applied focus, for example addressing the questions: 1) if and how regular meditation practice can help staying cognitively fit in older age, 2) if and how meditation training in the workplace can unfold beneficial effects, 3) whether mindfulness-based surgery preparation can improve recovery, and 4) how mindful compassion practice can support carers of terminally ill individuals.
He has published widely on meditation, ranging from cognitive neuroscience to positive psychology perspectives and including contributions to the Blackwell Companion to Consciousness and the Oxford Handbook of Happiness. He serves on the Board of Directors of the International Association Consciousness, Mindfulness, Compassion and is Associate Editor of Mindfulness.
Dr Malinowski’s meditation research blog and more information on his work can be found at: www.meditation-research.org.uk