The Institute’s science programs begin with respectful listening, build on openness and integrity, and proceed with creativity and rigorous methods. Particular areas of focus in scientific research include: psychosocial and spiritual aspects of health, including biological mechanisms; awareness and its connection to inner experience and outward actions; nonlinear dynamics and biological systems; and the role of human relationships in the health of individuals and society. Much of Fetzer’s research on the role of spirituality/religiousness and health over the past seven years has been in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes work with the National Institutes on Aging, Child Health and Human Development, and Alcoholism. Work in these areas has emphasized foundational work in measurement and methodology, as well as health research support. Fetzer also collaborates in the area of pain and suffering with ten NIH institutes, and supports long-term projects in that area. The breadth of research topic areas supported by Fetzer include disability and rehabilitation, end-of-life issues, and cognitive aspects of self-report. A major goal of this work is to stretch the edges of mainstream research by enabling researchers to ask innovative questions and explore hypotheses in new areas.

The Fetzer Institute also brings together individuals to engage in interdisciplinary and intercultural dialog, thereby enriching and expanding understanding and communication, and building relationships and community. Fetzer works to identify and nurture practices that foster unconditional love, freedom of spirit and wholeness, with the goal of enabling the best of the inner life to be expressed as positive action in the world.