Asking new questions of ultimate reality
The goal of STARS is to sponsor research by small teams of scientists and humanities
scholars on the ways science, in light of philosophical and theological reflection, points
towards the nature, character and meaning of ultimate reality. Priority is given to
young scientists with outstanding potential who are relatively new to interdisciplinary
research. Admission to preparatory conferences and the awarding of STARS research grants
is on a highly competitive basis.
NOTE: All grants have been awarded. This information is for press or archival purposes until the teams announce the results of their research.
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STARS builds upon the twenty-five year track record of the Center for Theology and the
Natural Sciences, CTNS. In CTNS' most recent program, Science and
the Spiritual Quest, SSQ, over 120
distinguished scientists from the major world religions lectured in public conferences
from Boston to Bangalore, describing the many ways in which science serves for them as a
path to spirituality.
STARS is breaking new ground, moving beyond familiar questions to new and innovative
research.
STARS is a program administered by the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences,
www.ctns.org , in Berkeley, California.
STARS consists of two parts: conferences and research grants.
Meet our Advisors
STARS Program Components
Conferences
STARS will convene a series of three interdisciplinary conferences in the Mexican Riviera,
on the Yucatan Peninsula in January 2007. The conferences will showcase an aspect of how current
scientific discoveries and theories relate to our understanding of ultimate reality. Each conference
will be led by an eminent scientific figure in the field, and will allow ample time for lectures as well
as formal and informal discussions.
The number of participants in each of the conferences will intentionally be kept low to help
facilitate networking and inter-disciplinary dialogue. It is our hope that the conference topics,
setting, and participant mix will provide a template for the formation of inter-disciplinary teams.
Conference topics and information available.
Research Grants
Research grants will be awarded to inter-disciplinary teams consisting of at
least one scientist and one philosopher and/or theologian, in amounts
ranging from $20,000 to $200,000. A total of $1.3 million in research grants
will be awarded.
Research teams will be able to apply for the planning grants starting in the
Spring of 2006. Competition for these grants will follow the conferences,
and criteria and forms will be available soon.
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Appreciation is expressed to The John Templeton Foundation for their generous support of this program.
