The International Network for the Study of Spirituality (INSS) is a unique international network for people interested in bringing the study of spirituality to life through research, scholarship, education and practice. Founded in 2010 (as BASS - the British Association for the Study of Spirituality), INSS supports and encourages the study of spirituality through its well-established journal, biennial conferences, these information pages, and the activities of its Spirituality Scholars Network. INSS aims to contribute to research in, and the development of, a field of enquiry that makes a difference, both now and in the future. Photo: Gillian Hunt. 'Silent Promise', Sussex, UK INSS hosts biennial (its eighth conference will take place in June 2025) INSS also provides and supports a range of ongoing activities through its Spirituality Scholars Network (SSN) Activities include symposia and other events in which participants can share and develop their ideas, research, writing and practice with 'critical friends' in a supportive and encouraging environment. The SSN also hosts a number of Special Interest Groups (SIGS) to enable participants to engage more deeply with a specific aspect of spirituality over a longer period of time. Image: Gerd Altmann, Pixabay | Image: Adapted from Kilverap, FreeImages The Journal for the Study of Spirituality (JSS) is owned by INSS and published in association with Taylor and Francis. It is now in its 13th year of publication. The entire archive is available online to INSS members. JSS is Abstracted/Indexed in the European Reference Index for the Humanities (ERIH) & Religious and Theological Abstracts; Thomson Reuters Emerging Sources Citation Index®; Scopus. The journal currently has an Impact Factor of 1.4 Read more about the Journal for Study of Spirituality Interested in becoming a Reviewer for the Journal for the Study of Spirituality? Read more here. The study of spirituality is an emerging academic field with many dimensions and opportunities, including in the contexts of research, education and professional practice. You are warmly invited to explore its scope and dimensions through the INSS journal, conferences and other events and activities, as well as through this website where you will find information pages, links to other organisations and events associated with the study of spirituality, and suggested books and articles for further reading. Read more about | Newsfor the 2025 INSS Conference 17-19 June 2025 Make sure of your place at the 2025 INSS Conference, and take advantage of the reduced Early-bird rate. See our new Please forward it to colleagues, students and other scholars who may be interested in participating in our activities. We are pleased to announce that we are now able to offer a Concessionary Membership Rate to students and those on a low income. On 29 October, from 18.30-19.30 London time members of the will be holding an OPEN DISCUSSION. Your participation would be very welcome! RECENTLY LAUNCHED A NEW SIG You are warmly invited to join and to help to develop it! 20 November, 15.00-16.00 London time SPIRITUALITY, MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING SIG Join our NEXT MEETING on 2 December, 12.00 - 13.15 London time to explore ‘Spiritual Self Care - within the context of a busy life’ with Dr Andrew Tresidder |
Member benefits
Connection: The Network provides connections to, and within, a growing community of researchers, educators, scholars and practitioners involved in the study of spirituality in its myriad aspects.
Journal: Full membership includes two printed issues each year of the Journal for the Study of Spirituality and access to the entire online archive (2011 to date).
Conferences: Biennial conferences provide an opportunity to meet, learn, develop ideas and create new syntheses, and to plan future collaborative work. Members receive a discount on the conference fee and have the opportunity to submit a paper based on their conference presentation for consideration for publication in the Journal for the Study of Spirituality.
The Spirituality Scholars Network (SSN)
The SSN provides a range of activities throughout the year in which members are able to share their interests, experiences, research and practice among 'critical friends' in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The SSN also hosts a number of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in which members can explore specific topics in greater depth over a longer period of time. SIGs currently include:
Spirituality and the Arts, Spirituality and Consciousness Studies, Spirituality and Education, Spirituality, Mental Health and Wellbeing. Previous SIGs have included Higher Education and Spirituality in End-of-Life Care
Free informational services: The Network facilitates discussion of emerging issues relating to the study of spirituality, the dissemination of research, the application of findings, and consideration of their impact. It keeps members in touch with each other and current issues and developments through social media and this website which includes reading lists, announcements of relevant events, and links to other like-minded organisations.
Books discount: Full membership includes access to a 30% discount on books published by Taylor & Francis, publishers of the Journal for the Study of Spirituality.
Read more about joining the INSS
If you would simply like to join the INSS mailing list to be kept informed of future events, please complete and submit the 'subscription' form below (no cost involved!)
INSS is a Company Limited by Guarantee (Company No: 7549446)
and is on the UK Register of Charities (Registered Charity No: 1166990)