MSR Research Colloquium 2026

MSR Research Colloquium event image
2026 virtual colloquium

MSR Research Colloquium:
“The Mystical and Research”

A virtual, global, around-the-clock gathering for scholars exploring the mystical as a lived and transformative dimension of inquiry.

Colloquium dates June 11–12, 2026
Virtual 36 hour global gathering Begins at 10:00 a.m. ET on June 11
Keynote speakers
Featured keynotes
Andrew B. Newberg
Andrew B. Newberg, M.D Talk title: The Mystical Mind: Probing the Biology of Spiritual Experience

Brief description: This lecture will explore the biological correlates of various types of spiritual experiences. This includes the exploration of types of mystical experiences and the various brain structures that may be associated with them including those that support feelings of oneness and surrender. These findings have implications for the nature of mystical experiences as well as for understanding how the brain and mind work.

Brief bio: Andrew B. Newberg, M.D. is the Research Director at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital in Philadelphia. He is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Newberg has been particularly involved in the study of mystical and religious experiences, a field referred to as “neurotheology”. He has published over 300 peer reviewed articles and chapters on brain function, brain imaging, and the study of religious and mystical experiences. He has published 17 books which have been translated into 22 different languages. He was listed as one of the 30 Most Influential Neuroscientists Alive Today by the Online Psychology Degree Guide.

Marilyn Schlitz
Marilyn Schlitz, Ph.D., M.A. Talk title: Science from the Inside Out

Brief bio: Dr. Schlitz is an acclaimed social scientist, award-winning author, and charismatic public speaker. She has conducted clinical, laboratory and field-based research into consciousness, human transformation, and healing. Her books include Living Deeply: The Art and Science of Transformation in Everyday Life; Consciousness and Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind Body Medicine; and Death Makes Life Possible (and companion film by same title). Having taught at Stanford, Harvard, and Trinity University, she is currently Professor of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University, CEO/President Emeritus and Senior Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Schlitz has published hundreds of articles in scholarly journals and popular publications, and has lectured extensively in diverse venues, including the United Nations, Smithsonian Institution, Commonwealth Club, and community groups across the world.

Event information
Important dates and start times
Colloquium dates June 11–12, 2026
Duration 36 hours
Location Online
Pacific Time (PT)June 11, 2026, 7:00 AM
Eastern Time (ET)June 11, 2026, 10:00 AM
West Africa Time (WAT)June 11, 2026, 3:00 PM
Central European Summer Time (CEST)June 11, 2026, 4:00 PM
India Standard Time (IST)June 11, 2026, 7:30 PM
Taiwan Time (TST)June 11, 2026, 10:00 PM
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST)June 11, 2026, 11:30 PM
Program
Colloquium schedule (Eastern Time)
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Registration
Register for the colloquium

The colloquium will be held online on June 11–12, 2026 and begins at 10:00 a.m. ET on June 11.

Use the registration link below.

Register on Eventbrite
Organizing Committee
  • Tianyuan Yu
    Tianyuan Yu 于天远, PhD.  Associate Professor at Mount Saint Vincent University

    Scholar, Zen practitioner, and pilgrim.

    LinkedIn
  • Naida Culshaw
    Naida Culshaw Weaver - Lecturer - Consultant

    Weaver, lecturer, and consultant.

    LinkedIn
  • Stacey Guenther
    Stacey Guenther, PhD, PCC Assistant Professor of Organization Development at George Mason University and Group Coherence Scholar and Facilitator

    Assistant Professor of Organization Development at George Mason University and Group Coherence scholar and facilitator.

    View profile
  • Konstantin Karl Weicht
    Konstantin Karl Weicht, PhD. Manager, Scholar, Baker - from Vienna, based in Hualien, Taiwan

    Manager, scholar, and baker from Vienna, based in Hualien, Taiwan.

    View profile
  • Gaëtan Mourmant
    Gaëtan Mourmant, PhD. Excel MVP & Power BI Expert - Grounded theorist

    Excel MVP, Power BI expert, grounded theorist, and author of You are the diamond soul.

    LinkedIn
  • Aditya Agrawal
    Aditya Agrawal, PhD. Asst. Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi, Associate Editor, Journal of Management Spirituality and Religion

    Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Management Spirituality and Religion.

    LinkedIn

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