The "Foundations" Conference is The Forum's dedicated space for early‑career researchers exploring the rich, complex intersections between scientific inquiry and religious thought. This event provides an intellectually supportive environment where emerging scholars can develop foundational skills, exchange ideas, and engage critically with the theoretical and practical dimensions of the field. This conference explores the dynamic and sometimes contested borders between scientific understanding and religious interpretation, asking how these two influential domains shape— and are shaped by— one another in contemporary thought and practice.
As scientific knowledge expands and religious traditions continue to evolve, questions emerge about where boundaries should be drawn, how they shift, and what happens when they overlap. This conference examines these issues through interdisciplinary lenses, bringing together voices from theology, philosophy, history, the natural and social sciences, and professional practice. By focusing on the boundaries of theory and practice, this event aims not only to map the current landscape of science and religion studies but also to empower the next generation of scholars to shape its future.
Approximate running times BST (tbc):
Day 1: 10am-4pm
Day 2: 10am-4pm
We welcome submissions which engage with other issues at the intersection of natural and/or social science 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.
Key questions guiding this year's conference include:
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Where do theoretical boundaries between scientific models and theological frameworks lie—and how porous should they be?
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What role does practice play in shaping or challenging theoretical commitments in science and religion?
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How do scientific advances influence religious beliefs, rituals, and moral decision‑making?
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We welcome submissions which engage with other issues at the intersection of natural and/or social science 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.
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.
Keynote Speakers:
Details coming once confirmed
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.
Booking Form coming soon!
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