Building on the success of the main anniversary conference "Revisiting and Reimagining the Relationships between Science and Religion". This online conference examines foundational issues within the science-and-religion sphere.
At Foundations in Science and Religion, we’ll dive into some of the most compelling and complex questions at the crossroads of scientific inquiry and religious thought. Across two days of discussion and discovery, We’ll explore topics like:
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What is the nature of reality?
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Can science and religion offer complementary insights into human existence, consciousness, and the cosmos?
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What role do metaphysics play in shaping scientific assumptions?
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What are the emerging (metaphysical) topics reshaping the dialogue between science and religion in a rapidly changing world?
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How do interfaith and multifaith perspectives shape our understanding of science and spirituality?
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How do different religious traditions interpret scientific discoveries about the origins of life and the universe?
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In what ways can multifaith dialogue enrich ethical discussions around emerging technologies ?
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How do diverse faith communities navigate scientific authority in public health, environmental policy, and education?
Whether you're interested in theology, philosophy, physics, cosmology, or interreligious dialogue, this conference offers a unique space to engage with foundational issues that matter—across disciplines, traditions, and generations. The conference is open to all attend, and we warmly invite you to join us for two days of lively conversation as we examine topics across science-and-religion(s).
20th November: Focus on Science, Religion and Metaphysics.
21st November: Focus on Science and Religion in inter/multi faith contexts.
Colleagues are welcome to join for one or both days.
In addition to keynote papers the conference will prioritise presentations from students and early career scholars (defined as having completed study (including ordination training) or research in the last 10 years). We have chosen to broaden the definition of early career in recognition of the precarity of many academic contracts and environments.
Call for Papers
Deadline: Midnight GMT 1st September 2025; notification by 30th September
The 2025 Anniversary ECR conference celebrates 50 years of the Science and Religion Forum. The conference is taking a broad look at some of the foundational issues in the study of science-and-religion ans considers ongoing points of connection and dissonance. We welcome papers that engage critically with established/historic positions on science-and-religion as well as those that look forward to the upcoming opportunities and challenges.
We invite submissions which engage with any issue at the intersection of science and (any) religion. Whilst continuing to value the Christian origins of the Forum, we particularly welcome papers that engage with science and religion from Eastern Orthodox, and non-Christian perspectives which are historically under-represented at our conferences.
We encourage speakers to engage directly with the theme "Foundations in science-and-religion" the relationship. This may include (but is not limited to):
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What is the nature of reality? How do metaphysical frameworks from different religious traditions engage with scientific models of the universe?
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Can science and religion offer complementary insights into human existence, consciousness, and the cosmos?
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What role do metaphysics play in shaping scientific assumptions—and vice versa?
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What are the emerging (metaphysical) topics reshaping the dialogue between science and religion in a rapidly changing world?
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How do interfaith and multifaith perspectives shape our understanding of science and spirituality? What happens when diverse religious worldviews encounter shared scientific challenges?
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How do different religious traditions interpret scientific discoveries about the origins of life and the universe—and where do these interpretations converge or diverge?
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In what ways can multifaith dialogue enrich ethical discussions around emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and climate intervention?
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How do diverse faith communities navigate scientific authority in public health, environmental policy, and education—and what can be learned from these varied approaches?
Submissions are invited for traditional papers, or lightning papers related to the conference theme. Works-in-Progress may be submitted for both sessions sessions. Paper sessions are 40 mins, lightning papers are 20mins. Timings include any Q&A [please note final timings many be adjusted slightly to ensure a good flow to the conference - speakers will be notified in good time if this occurs].
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Lightning papers are15minute presentations + 5mins Q&A designed to share an aspect of research, or prompt a discussion. It is expected that "new voices" papers will be works-in-progress.
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All Submissions MUST engage with the intersection of science and religion. This engagement may include natural or social sciences. Ethnographic/sociological studies that address scientists' engagement with faith or how people of faith engage with science also fall within the remit of this call.
Use of AI
In line with current expectations around the use of AI in academic publishing, and in order to preserve academic integrity and ethical standards The following conditions apply to the use of AI in submissions to the Forum's conferences, journal, and essay prize.
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This applies to all forms of AI capable of generating text, imagery, data visualisations, or analytical suggestions based on user prompts. (E.g.text generators, code assistants, and automated visualisation platforms.)
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AI must never be used to fabricate content or substitute genuine scholarly input. Any involvement must support, not replace, human expertise.
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The individual submitting the work is entirely accountable for its accuracy, credibility, and compliance with academic standards.
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AI tools may be used to:
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Refine grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
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Produce diagrams or figures based on legitimate data, provided sources are cited.
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Assist in planning or outlining, provided final content is independently authored.
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AI tools must not be used to:
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Invent data, references, or analytical findings.
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Rephrase or reproduce existing texts without proper acknowledgement.
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Generate content that is passed off as original scholarly interpretation.
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Any use of AI tools must be declared clearly within the manuscript or accompanying documentation. Disclosures should include:
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The name(s) of any tools used.
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The precise function they served (e.g., proofreading, data visualisation).
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E.g. "AI assistance was limited to grammar editing using [Tool Name]. All research analysis and content development were conducted independently by the author"
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The Committee reserve the right to request clarification or resubmission should AI involvement appear excessive or undeclared. Submissions found to have violated these guidelines may face rejection, withdrawal, or formal notification to affiliated parties.