Although these two events are more public, the on-going efforts of the William James Center to support faculty and student research continue to grow. In addition to funding minor expenses for faculty research projects, the Center houses and supports the archives of the massive and growing Transformational Research Project. This endeavor grew out of a sense that, although personal transformation was often our goal, it was very difficult to talk about it, measure it, or research its nature. Under the guidance of William Braud this project has grown into a longitudinal study of the process of transformation which includes developing a language and modes of research appropriate to the task. Over time the Project has developed and made use of unique measurements and research tools that can be modified for use in business, and educational and other institutional settings.
Transformation is something that is little understood in our society, and often goes unrecognized.
Yet, in this period of accelerating social and technological change, understanding human values, such as those measured and honored by this project remains critical to our ability to create and sustain a nurturing and humane environment. The Project thus has a usefulness and importance beyond ITP and our own community. The William James Center continues to explore ways to be of service and encourage research in areas that converge on the interrelationships among consciousness studies, exceptional human experiences and abilities, physical and psychological well-being, and spiritual transformation. Future directions may involve visiting scholar programs, further publications of books and journals, invitational dialogs, post-doctoral research grants, and fostering collaborative efforts, and involvement in research consortiums. It seems like a good beginning.