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Our Team at a Glance
M3CS is assisted by an Advisory Committee, consisting of community leaders and international research experts. The responsibility of the International Advisory Committee is to assist the Director on matters of strategy and policy, strategic direction, the structure and general operating principles; assist in the identification of opportunities and risks for the Centre, and assist in the promotion and fundraising for the Centre. The Committee is chaired by the Dean of Arts and the Committee includes the Centre and Education Directors. The current term runs from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Cathy Freeman
A proud Kuku Yalanji woman and an Australian Indigenous Olympic champion. Unique experience in contemplative practices in high performance contexts, with extensive community engagement and charity work.
Richard Cogswell SC
Expert in law and judicial practice, with experience as NSW Crown Advocate and former NSW District Court judge handling civil and criminal cases. Extensive experience in mental health law.
Ian Gawler OAM
Author and pioneer in the therapeutic application of contemplative practices. Extensive experience with fostering the wider uptake of these practices.
Shannon Harvey
Widely published expert on media engagement and science communication for contemplative practices.
Martin Hosking
M3CS is made possible through the generous grant from Martin and his wife Loreto. Their shared vision is that the M3CS will enable greater access to contemplative practices.
Amishi Jha
Expert in contemplative neuroscience as well as the applications of contemplative practices in real-world settings and evaluation of mindfulness training and education.
Thomas Metzinger
Expert in interdisciplinary philosophy of mind and consciousness. Extensive experience with contemplative practices and establishment of international research organisations.
Andreas Roepstorff
Expert in interdisciplinary mindfulness research. Extensive experience as the leader of a successful university-based Centre and national and international research organisations.
Heleen Slagter
Expert in the neuroscience of contemplative practices, with extensive expertise in neuroimaging, psychophysics and computational approaches to contemplation.
Angie Chew
Founder and CEO of Brahm Centre, leading mental health advocacy and mindfulness initiatives in Singapore. Certified MBSR and MBCT teacher, with expertise in applying mindfulness across sectors and training over 15,000 individuals.
Chris Ruane
Former British MP specialising in mindfulness, health, and wellbeing. Established and chaired cross-party mindfulness groups, served on the Oxford Mindfulness Centre board, and leads global initiatives to integrate mindfulness into legislatures worldwide.
Our diverse network of members includes alumni, adjuncts, affiliates, collaborators, teaching associates and visiting scholars who share a passion for advancing consciousness and contemplative studies.
If you're interested in joining our network and contributing your unique ideas, contact us at m3cs@monash.edu