This Fellowship links scholars of science and practitioners of spiritual traditions within the Global South. The first phase of the fellowship addresses Argentina, South Africa and the Philippines. Scholars are invited to submit proposals integrating local spiritualities with the Sanskritic framework as elucidated in the Upanisads, for example. Proposals may be submitted via email: disnance[dot]ac[at]gmail[dot]com. 

Call for Proposals  

Integrating Science and Spirituality Across the Global South

REAL Institute invites applications for the inaugural REAL South-South Fellowship, a pioneering initiative that brings together scholars of science and practitioners of spiritual traditions from within the Global South.

In its first phase (2025-2026), the Fellowship focuses on three culturally rich and philosophically vibrant regions: Argentina, South Africa, and the Philippines.

Fellowship Vision

The REAL South-South Fellowship seeks to reimagine the boundaries of scientific inquiry and spiritual knowledge by nurturing deep dialogue across disciplines and traditions. We invite proposals that engage local spiritual frameworks (indigenous, ancestral, mystical, or syncretic) in relation to the Sanskritic cosmologies of the Upaniṣads and related philosophical lineages.

How might Ubuntu resonate with advaita? Can Mapuche notions of land and spirit align with prakṛti? How do Filipino animist practices illuminate embodied consciousness within cognitive science, or, the Upanishadic statement that "one spirit animates and enlivens all beings"?

Who Should Apply?

- Scientists, researchers, philosophers, or systems theorists based in or working with communities in Argentina, South Africa, or the Philippines.

- Healers, spiritual practitioners, ritualists, or knowledge-keepers who engage with local cosmologies, mysticism, or ancestral traditions within these three countries.

- Transdisciplinary thinkers seeking to bridge empirical methods and contemplative wisdom within the three countries listed.

Collaborative proposals (scholar-practitioner duos or teams) are encouraged.

Proposal Guidelines

We welcome project proposals that address one or more of the following:

- Philosophical or scientific integration of local spiritual traditions with Upaniṣadic concepts (e.g., ātman, brahman, sat-cit-ānanda, rta)

- Exploratory research in neuroscience, physics, ecology, or systems thinking inspired by spiritual epistemologies

- Artistic, ritual, or pedagogical forms of inquiry (e.g., exhibitions, meditative technologies, embodied labs)

- Public engagement strategies that amplify indigenous voices and epistemologies

Submission Deadline  

October 30, 2025 [Extended on August 5, 2025]

Submission Process  

Send a 2–3 page proposal (PDF), including:

- Project title and abstract (200 words)

- Names and bios of team members

- Proposed activities and timeline

- How the project integrates science and spirituality

- Optional: sample of prior work or publications

Submit via email to:  

editor[at]realinstitute[dot]live  

Subject line: REAL Fellowship Proposal – [Country Name]

Fellowship Benefits  

Selected fellows will receive:

- Access to REAL Institute’s global platform and a voice on the advisory board

- Opportunity to present at a future REAL South-South Symposium

- Potential for publication in REAL’s bi-annual journal

Toward a New Epistemology 

This Fellowship is a step toward building a South-South network of thinkers and seers who believe the future of science is not separate from the spirit — and that wisdom traditions can inform radical new paradigms of knowing, being, and becoming.

Join us.