Swipe through for insights on recently published studies from our grantees, including:
➡️ A new book review published in the @lareviewofbooks argues that computers are intelligent not because of what they are, but because of what they do.
➡️ Researchers from @macquaireuni and @southernmedicaluniversity published a new article in @sciencemagazine showing that bumblebees have the ability to grasp time and rhythm.
➡️ A new study, published in @currentbiology , found that the hippocampus plays a critical and previously unexpected role in the conscious aspect of vision.
#TWCFGrantees #TWCF #Research #Consciousness #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Forgiveness #AcademicJournal
Did you know that animals exposed to squeals or laughter are more likely to cooperate in social tasks?
From dolphins' "victory squeals" to bonobo laughter, a multidisciplinary group of researchers is exploring joy across species and the questions it raises about emotion, cognition, and intelligence.
Dive into our most recent newsletter, dedicated to animals and diverse intelligences, for key insights on soundboard buttons for pets, whether dogs can really talk, human minds in the age of #AI, and what intelligence is and is not.
Read it on the link in our bio.
#Pets #DogsOfInstagram #AnimalCommunication #ArtificialIntelligence
#CIFARWinterSchool applications are now open! 🧠
This is a fully funded, 3-day intensive for senior PhD students and postdoctoral fellows working in neuroscience and consciousness research.
This year’s theme is “Why Consciousness Matters.” Participants will explore this central question through lectures with leading researchers, peer networking, and immersive workshops.
Hosted by members of CIFAR’s Brain, Mind & Consciousness program and the @templetonworld Charity Foundation, this year’s event takes place December 3 to 5.
🔗 Apply by June 10 at the link in our bio.
#NeuroscienceResearch #ConsciousnessStudies #PhDLife PostdocOpportunities
Last week, Professor Simon Conway Morris a groundbreaking paleontologist at @cambridgeuniversity , was awarded the 2026 @templetonprize 's for his outstanding contributions to the field of evolutionary biology and his enduring efforts to explore the broader philosophical implications of his scientific discoveries.
Professor Conway Morris is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on the Cambrian explosion and his meticulous analysis of the Burgess Shale fauna. These studies have significantly reshaped our understanding of the early evolution of animal body plans and the dynamics of evolutionary innovation.
Valued at more than $1.4 million, the Templeton Prize is one of the world's largest annual individual awards. Established by the late global investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton, the prize is given to honor those who harness the power of the sciences to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankind's place and purpose within it.
Find out more via the link in our bio.
#TempletonPrize #TempletonPrize2026 #MostInterestingPrize
Open research is deeply rooted in TWCF’s identity and central to its future direction.
The nature of the research we fund can produce findings that challenge conventional thinking. The research must be unimpeachable and only open scrutiny can help us achieve that.
In addition, our commitment to open research also reflects our dedication to supporting all researchers, not just the privileged few with access to findings.
In a recent blog post featuring insights from Dr. Nick Higgs, Vice President of Strategy & Programs, TWCF, and Kristin Eldon Whylly, Director of Operations, we explore what open research means for TWCF and why it is essential to our ethos and mission.
Link in bio.
What can ancient wisdom and science teach us about supporting young people?
Today’s world is leading young people into a polycrisis of mental ill-health, identity loss, and loneliness. With issues like education, employment, climate and peace-building taking a toll on their wellbeing, it’s essential to address how inner development can be nurtured for collective wellbeing.
As part of #SkollWeek at Oxford, we co-hosted a session with @citiesRISE , weaving ancient and Indigenous wisdom with contemporary science on human flourishing, #MentalHealth and wellbeing.
We shared on-the-ground learnings, drawing on wisdom traditions, lived experience, and cutting-edge science.
Thank you to everyone that made this happen!
Swipe through for insights on recently published studies from our grantees, including:
➡️ According to a recent article, connecting with strangers can help build a kinder, more cooperative society.
➡️ A new TWCF-funded project, seeks to identify a new scientific narrative that unites biology to notions of agency, purpose, and meaning in living entities.
➡️ The director of the TWCF-funded project “Reforming scientific advisory bodies” was awarded the 2025 Duncan Black Prize for Best Paper in Public Choice by a Senior Scholar.
Click the link in our bio to find out more about these studies.
#TWCFGrantees #TWCF #Research #COVID19 #PublicPolicy #Biology #Agency #AcademicJournal #Purpose #Loneliness
Progress comes through dialogue, not declaration.
While open research began as a push for access to published findings, it has now become a movement focused on transparency, reproducibility, and access to the research process itself.
Inspired by Sir John Templeton’s vision, TWCF approaches open research with the firm belief that knowledge should benefit everyone.
Read the new blog post featuring insights from Dr. Nick Higgs, Vice President of Strategy & Programs, TWCF, and Kristin Eldon Whylly, Director of Operations - to learn more about what open research means for TWCF and how it's central to our future direction.
Link in bio.
#OpenResearch #Academia #Science #Dialogue #Research
We have news: we are launching the TWCF Quarterly Insights Digest! 📩
This quarterly email is a space for reflection and depth, where we take a closer look at the most impactful stories of the quarter.
It goes far beyond a summary. Each issue will spotlight our most impactful research stories, translating insights into meaning, unpacking why they matter, and revealing why now is the moment to pay attention.
In our inaugural edition, we share our perspective on open research, alongside compelling stories and conversations that explore care, division, and the questions shaping our world today.
Go to the link in our bio to sign up.
What is the relationship between happiness and forgiveness?
This #InternationalDayOfHappiness, we put the spotlight on “Putting the Science of Forgiveness Into Practice,” a TWCF-funded project by the @greatergoodmag to share key findings from the science of forgiveness in ways people can apply to both their personal and professional lives.
Tune into the “Science of Happiness” and “Happiness Break” podcasts for guided meditations and a conversation on how forgiveness reshapes the brain, eases the body, and helps us move forward with greater compassion and freedom.
Listen via the link in our bio.
#Happiness #Forgiveness #Meditation
