EMPATHY PROJECT
TLC was pleased to collaborate with researchers at Duke University, with funding from the Templeton Religion Trust, on a project examining empathy and its implications for positive intergroup relations. Through a series of virtual and in-person events, the project brought together researchers from diverse disciplines to advance scientific understanding of empathy and foster connections among scholars working in this area. Learn more about the project's activities and contributions below!
THE AIMS
The Love Consortium’s mission is to accelerate scientific understanding of love and social connection. We believe members of our scientific community have much to add to the theoretical and methodological conversation on empathy. In turn, this work can provide a solid foundation toward rigorous research and deeper understanding of how people can foster harmonious relationships across perceived divides.
Through this initiative, The Love Consortium sought to:
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Develop a shared understanding of the current state of empathy research among researchers engaged in its study across multiple disciplines
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Generate enthusiasm and activate a network of researchers to advance the science of empathy by identifying opportunities for future research, with a particular focus on knowledge gaps that funding agencies may be eager to support.
Ultimately, our work on this project aspired to create the connections and conditions for future research and funding in this domain.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
2025-2026
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Facilitated small group discussions among empathy scholars who take different theoretical and methodological perspectives
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Outreach and network-building
2026-2027
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Facilitated in-person connection among empathy scholars and discussion of new evidence at a day-long international meeting
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Helping disseminate results of a comprehensive scoping review on empathy and intergroup relations
EVENTS
TLC hosted a number of empathy-focused events – click here for information on our past events, and stay updated on future events by joining our mailing list below.
Empathy as an Interpersonal Process Virtual Symposium
Empathy: Approaches and Implications for a Divided World
STAY CONNECTED
Through this project, TLC has helped foster connections among researchers from diverse disciplines who share an interest in advancing the science of empathy and understanding its implications for positive intergroup relations. Although the project's organized activities have concluded, we hope these conversations and collaborations will continue to inspire new research and connections across the field.
We look forward to seeing how the connections and conversations sparked through this project continue to shape the science of empathy!
Learn more about the Templeton Religion Trust and our collaborators at Duke University!
Dr. Kunalan Manokara