A majority of Americans believe that religion and science are in conflict with one another (Link: Pew research center poll from Oct. 22, 2015). It may therefore come as a surprise that since its inception in 2016, the Society of Catholic Scientists has rapidly grown to over 600 members, most of whom are faculty, post docs and students at university science departments.
The society was founded by a group of university physicists, astronomers, planetary scientists and biologists to provide fellowship, student mentorship, and a public witness to the harmony between faith and a scientific career. Stephen Barr, President of the Society, notes that “many Catholics in science – especially students and young scientists – feel isolated because they do not realize how many other scientists share their faith. That is because most religious scientists are quiet about their faith. This sense of isolation can be demoralizing.”
In June, the Society will host its second annual conference “The Human Mind and Physicalism” in Washington D.C. at Catholic University, which follows the inaugural conference on “Origins” in Chicago last year. The Society is open to scientists who are practicing Catholics, and those interested are encouraged to apply at https://www.catholicscientists.org.
