[2][4][5][6] and studied at Harvard University to work with Daniel Goleman and Gary Schwartz[3] and gained his Ph.D. in Personality, Psychopathology, and Psychophysiology there in 1976.

[8] Richard Davidson and his collaborators have used rhesus monkeys as models of human neurophysiology and emotional response since 1992 when he and fellow UW–Madison researchers Ned H. Kalin and Steven E. Shelton published “Lateralized effects of diazepam on frontal brain electrical asymmetries in rhesus monkeys.”[9] In 2004 the same group published further results on the role of the central nucleus of the amygdala in mediating fear and anxiety in the primate.

[16] Davidson has stated that he supports animal research and that it has "undeniably made major contributions to the reduction of suffering" in humans.

[16] Davidson has been a longtime friend of the 14th Dalai Lama, and some of his work involves research on the brain as it relates to meditation.

This connection has caused controversy, with some scientists criticizing Davidson for being too close to someone with an interest in the outcome of his research and others claiming that it represents an inappropriate mix of faith and science.

[23] Dr. Davidson's contributions include the interpretation of scientific research into the roots of compassion, altruism, and peaceful human relationships.

[7] His most recent book, Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body, was co-authored with friend and colleague Daniel Goleman and released in September 2017.

He has written a New York Times bestseller (with Sharon Begley) titled The Emotional Life of Your Brain, published by Penguin in March 2012.