Forward Together: Where Science, Ethics, & Religion Intersect in a Changing World

A virtual symposium discussing topics at the forefront of the science-religion dialogue, the broad impacts of science on human life and society, and the importance of engaging faith communities. DoSER's 25th Anniversary, June 2021.

Network web with speaker headshots at the connecting points

In honor of DoSER’s 25th anniversary, we hosted a half-day virtual symposium on June 15, 2021, titled, “Forward Together: Where Science, Ethics, and Religion Intersect in a Changing World.”

The symposium included panel presentations and small group discussions on topics at the forefront of the science-religion dialogue, the broad impacts of science on human life and society, and the importance of faith communities for enabling the broadest benefits of scientific advances. At the event, scientists, science communicators, faith leaders, and practitioners engaged on hot topics including evolution, climate change, genetics and neurology, artificial intelligence, combating racism, and building trust and connections between scientific and faith communities.

To read an article about the event, click here. 

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Opening Plenary: Why Dialogue Is Important

Why is the dialogue between science and religion important?

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Breakout Session: Evolution

How has this dialogue changed our understanding of evolution, and what does the future hold?

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Breakout Session: Climate and Environment

How has this dialogue changed our understanding of climate and the environment, and what does the future hold?

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Breakout Session: Public Health

How has this dialogue changed our understanding of public health, and what does the future hold?

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Breakout Session: Race and Racial Justice

How has this dialogue changed our understanding of race and racial justice, and what does the future hold?

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Breakout Session: Genetics and Being Human

How has this dialogue changed our understanding of genetics and being human, and what does the future hold?

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Breakout Session: Artificial Intelligence

How has this dialogue changed our understanding of AI, and what does the future hold?

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Closing Plenary: Shared Values - Building Trust and Connections

While science can inform public discourse on forefront science issues, values and identity also play a role in how people ultimately understand and respond.

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