The discussion of science, ethics, and religion may date back to ancient Greece, but the specific topics on which the conversation dwells change with time and scientific advancements. Similarly, DoSER's projects respond to the rising themes and trends in the scientific and religious communities. Keep reading to learn more about our current projects.
Public Events
DoSER organizes and speaks at symposia, workshops, and panels across the United States. We bring together experts to explore a diverse range of topics related to the interface of forefront science, ethics, and religion. Many of our past events have been recorded and published online.
Science for Seminaries
Many people seek guidance on scientific subjects from their religious leaders, so it is important that quality science resources are made available to those leaders. The Science for Seminaries project supports seminaries in their efforts to incorporate forefront science into their core curricula and to prepare future clergy to address questions of science, ethics, and religion with their congregations. This project is currently in its second phase. In Phase I (2014-2016), DoSER supported 10 seminaries.Phase II builds on the lessons of the pilot project and will support 32 additional seminaries in the science integration efforts over the course of 5 years.
Engaging Scientists
Regardless of whether they spend their days in the classroom or at the lab bench, scientists interact with the public in some capacity. DoSER is developing resources to help scientists address the religious and ethical questions related to their work as these questions arise. This project launched in June 2016 and is a collaborative effort with the AAAS Center for Public Engagement.
Science in Continuing Education for Pastors
This pilot project aimed to increase religious leaders' engagement with science so they felt comfortable discussing scientific topics and issues with their congregants. Building on the Science for Seminaries project, this project integrated scientific and technological topics that are relevant to contemporary pastoral ministry into continuing education resources at four seminaries.
Science Engagement in Rabbinic Training
This pilot project built on the Science for Seminaries project by fostering a science program in rabbinic education, thereby broadening the scope of religious communities reached by the project. Partnering with Sinai and Synapses, DoSER supported Jewish educational institutions as they worked to nurture productive dialogue and community engagement with science, and built momentum for increased involvement at the science-Judaism interface at Jewish institutions.
Bringing Forefront Science to Religion Reporters
The nation's religion reporters are often tasked with interpreting science advances in light of religious values, but may lack the technical proficiency in science and technology to do so effectively. This project offered two science enrichment opportunities to this pool of journalists. First, DoSER hosted public conversations about forefront science in conjunction with the Religion News Association's annual meeting. Second, DoSER offered support to a select group of religion reporters to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting.
The Perceptions Project
The Evangelical Christian community comprises a significant portion of the U.S. population, so it is important that this community maintain a healthy dialogue with the scientific community. In March 2015, DoSER completed a three-year project investigating perceptions that scientific and religious communities (especially Evangelicals) have about one another in order to increase understanding between these communities.