Dr. Leslie Kawamura is currently a full professor of Buddhism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Calgary. Since becoming a member of the Department of Religious Studies in 1976, Leslie Kawamura has devoted ceaseless efforts to promoting the study of Asian cultures and to fostering an interest in Asia within the University and Calgary communities. He has been instrumental in the established of connections between the University and individuals and institutions in Asia.
His major interest is in the study of the Indian Yogacara tradition, especially the foundational period of Maitreya/Asanga and Vasubandhu, using the Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan sources and the studies done in Japanese. Currently, he is working on the Dharma-dharmata text attributed to Asanga/Maitreya. He has been instrumental in establishing the Asian Studies Collaborative Major Program at the University of Calgary and serves as the Co-ordinator of that program for the Faculties of General Studies, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
One of Dr. Kuwamara's most significant contributions to the promotion of Asian Studies is the establishment of the Numata Chair in Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religious Studies. This Numata Program has since brought many distinguished Buddhist scholars from around the world to the University, thus, enhancing its international reputation. He has traveled as an invited guest to many countries including Nepal, China, India, Korea and Japan to speak on his Asian Buddhism research. In addition to establishing an ESL (English as Second Language) program for students from Japan at the University of Calgary, Dr. Kawamura has contributed to founding various international organizations such as the Canada Mongolia Society and the International Association for Buddhist Studies.