There are many peer reviewed journal articles, and books exploring contemporary research into mindfulness - both theory and practice. A review of mindfulness research and intervention by Jon Kabat Zinn is a good place to start
For a more detailed look at the neuroscience we recommend the work of Francisco Varela : The Embodied Mind
For an 'inside' view of a Neuroscientist who is also a Zen monk, see 'Zen and the Brain':
For a brief explanation of how Jon Kabat Zinn's 'MBSR' program developed into Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy ( a common form of mindfulness program that is well known as NICE approved ) - MBCT:
If you are interested in finding out more about MBCT there is a good website here: