Science-faith collaboration secures £6 million funding
Durham University's ECLAS Project Secures £6.2million Grant for Global Expansion
Durham University's Engagement with Contemporary Life and Science (ECLAS) project has secured a significant £6.2million grant from the John Templeton Foundation. This funding will enable ECLAS to expand its support for emerging hubs for science-religion research and engagement in previously unexplored regions.
The grant follows a previous grant from the Templeton Religion Trust and is aimed at building upon ECLAS's decade-long expertise in this field. Revd Professor David Wilkinson, the Project Director of ECLAS, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating that it will allow ECLAS to collaborate internationally and support science-engaged theology beyond the UK.
ECLAS is now in its 10th year and works collaboratively with the University of York and the Church of England to strengthen dialogue between scientists and Church leaders. The vision for the future of ECLAS includes fostering a global network for science-engaged theology and cross-denominational outreach.
The new strategy, supported by the John Templeton Foundation, will see the creation of a series of regional research hubs. Each international partner hub will receive funds to distribute as awards for regional Scientists in Congregations and Science for Seminaries programmes. The purpose of these programmes is to encourage bishops and senior Christian leaders worldwide to engage with science.
The Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University, globally ranked 7th (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022), is known for its varied and dynamic environment, where 'belief' and 'beliefs' are seriously studied and respected. The department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Interested individuals can find more information about the ECLAS project, St John's College, undergraduate and postgraduate courses on Durham University’s Theology and Religion webpages. The new strategy aims to strengthen dialogue between scientists and Church leaders worldwide and includes a global research and engagement network, cross-denominational outreach, and an expanded programme of conferences and grant opportunities.
The Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University is a welcoming community to individuals of all faiths and to those of none. ECLAS, based at St John's College, is launching a new five-year strategy to continue its work in exploring the intersection of science and theology, fostering dialogue and collaborative research internationally. The new grant awarded to ECLAS by the John Templeton Foundation will commence in April.
- The new strategy of Durham University's ECLAS Project, funded by the John Templeton Foundation, will extend to areas of health-and-wellness, mental-health, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, as it aims to cater to a wider demographic of bishops and senior Christian leaders worldwide.
- In line with its commitment to the intersection of science and theology, the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses that focus not just on scientific understanding, but also on fitness-and-exercise, as part of a holistic approach to life.
- The expanded programme of conferences and grant opportunities under the new five-year strategy of Durham University's ECLAS Project, launching in April, will provide opportunities for learning and innovation, fostering a global network of scholars in science-engaged theology.
