UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center | Community Health

The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) is a pioneering institution dedicated to the study and application of mindfulness in promoting mental health and wellbeing. Founded by renowned behavioral geneticist Susan Smalley, MARC is situated within the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). With a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, MARC explores the genetic basis of behavior disorders, such as ADHD, and investigates the cognitive and emotional benefits of mindfulness meditation. Through its work, MARC aims to translate scientific findings into practical, evidence-based interventions that can be applied in real-world settings, ultimately enhancing the lives of individuals and communities. As a leading center for mindfulness research, MARC collaborates with experts from various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, to advance our understanding of the complex relationships between mind, brain, and behavior. With its commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry and its dedication to improving human wellbeing, the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center is at the forefront of the mindfulness movement, inspiring a new generation of researchers, practitioners, and individuals seeking to cultivate greater awareness, compassion, and resilience in their lives.