James R. Doty, M.D. was Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and Founder and Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University. The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, of which His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the founding benefactor, aims to support rigorous research on compassion. Dr. Doty collaborated with scientists from a number of disciplines examining the neural bases for compassion and altruism. In addition, Dr. Doty was an inventor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. As a philanthropist, he supported a number of charitable organizations focused on peace and healthcare throughout the world. Additionally, he supported a variety of research initiatives and provided scholarships and endowed chairs at multiple universities. He served on the board of a number of nonprofit organizations including as Chairman of the Dalai Lama Foundation and was on the International Advisory Board of the Council of the Parliament of the World's Religions.