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Mission

Based at McGill University, the McGill Mindfulness Research Lab (MMRL) advances the theory and application of mindfulness and compassion.

Grounded in the belief that mindfulness must be paired with compassion, MMRL emphasizes that cultivating kindness toward oneself and others is essential to fully realizing the benefits of mindfulness.

Through the development of the Embodied and Embedded Mindfulness and Compassion Framework (EEMCF), the lab aims to foster more mindful and compassionate ways of relating to ourselves, others, animals, and the natural world.

Values

Compassion for oneself, other humans, animals, and the natural world are values that guide the MMRL’s research. The lab also strongly values collaboration and fosters a highly collective work environment. Finally, the lab upholds values of equality, diversity, respect, and dignity for all sentient beings.

Group photo of MMRL members photographed by Owen Egan and Joni Dufour.

MMRL Team

The MMRL is directed by Dr. Bassam Khoury, an Associate Professor at McGill University. Dr. Khoury has published over 100 papers on mindfulness and compassion in leading clinical journals. His work has gained international acclaim and has been recognized by the University of Cambridge as among the most impactful research in psychology worldwide.

Dr. Khoury is joined by a team of professors, students, and professionals from a variety of backgrounds.

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Embodied and Embedded Mindfulness and Compassion Framework (EEMCF)

The MMRL is focused on developing and validating a new framework on mindfulness and compassion: The Embodied and Embedded Mindfulness and Compassion Framework (EEMCF).

Unlike traditional approaches, EEMCF integrates:

  • Embodied (intrapersonal) mindfulness

  • Interpersonal mindfulness

  • Self-compassion

  • Compassion for other humans

  • Compassion for animals

  • Connection with nature

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Core Research Areas

In addition to the development of the EEMCF, the lab also focuses on:

  • Psychometric scale development: to measure different facets of mindfulness and compassion

  • Reviews: Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and other reviews of existing mindfulness and compassion-based research

  • Mindfulness and Compassion Research (outside the EEMCF): Intervention studies, experimental non-clinical studies, cross-sectional studies, and other studies

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Sign up for the MMRL Newsletter 

Join the MMRL community and receive once-per-semester updates about the lab’s research activities and opportunities to get involved.