Interfaith on Campus: What can universities do to build relations across faith and identity?

Event details

The question of what universities can do to build relations between faith and identity difference has never been more important. Since 2020, answers to this question have been pursued by an international research team exploring through two projects how to create a positive university climate for student engagement across religion and worldview diversity.

Join the Research Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations for this webinar, as researchers from two projects come together to present their research results and explore with guest speakers what we can do to help students understand and relate well to those of different beliefs and worldviews.

‘IDEALS UK’ adapted the US-based IDEALS (Interfaith Diversity Experiences and Attitudes Longitudinal Survey) project to explore how different campus environments influence relationships among students of different faiths and worldview perspectives. The project surveyed over 8,000 students from across UK universities, and conducted case studies of four universities to generate ‘on the ground’ understanding of how students navigate religion and worldview differences on campus.

Drawing on the IDEALS UK survey data, and fresh interviews with UK students, the 2022-2023 ‘STEM and Belief in UK and USA Higher Education’ project asked how we can foster Science, Technology, Engineers and Maths (STEM) environments inclusive of belief diversity. The project explored how UK STEM students perceive and experience religious diversity and measured how attitudes and behaviours changed during their studies.

Alongside the presentation and reflections, there will be opportunities to ask questions to the presenters and discuss the implications of the research for your context.

Enquiries

For enquiries please contact Dr Gwenith Cross

+44 7392096221
ac9604@coventry.ac.uk

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