Tampere University’s new PRISM program revolutionises the study of mysticism

Mysticism has long played a transformative role across cultures and religious traditions, yet it remains one of the least understood dimensions of spiritual experience. 

PRISM seeks to bridge this gap by generating new knowledge, galvanising scholarly expertise and stimulating public interest in mysticism. 

Tampere University strengthens its position as a global leader in mysticism research 

Running from 2025 to 2029, PRISM aims to position Tampere University at the forefront of global mysticism research. 

The project is grounded in a critical realist paradigm, ensuring a data-driven, multidisciplinary, culturally embedded and globally inclusive approach to the comparative study of mysticism across cultural and religious contexts

The grant program as a central component of the PRISM initiative  

“PRISM grew out of a two-year planning process, including background research, expert consultations and working papers. This planning, along with conversations with scholars, provided a sound, post-critique conceptual foundation rooted in critical realism”, says Ali Qadir, Sociology Professor and Director PRISM. 

A key component of PRISM is its grant program, which will provide funding to leading scholars around the world while maintaining a core research and program hub at Tampere University. Solicited proposals are currently under review, with the first grants already underway from this month.