International Network for the Study of Spirituality

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The Eighth Biennial International Conference of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality

Spirituality, Consciousness, Technology and Wellbeing:

Implications for Research, Education and Practice

will be held in conjunction with the University of Northampton, UK

June 2025

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The conference theme

The focus of the conference is on the concepts and practices of Spirituality, the extent to which they are - or may become - intertwined with developments and new understandings in the fields of Consciousness, Technology and/or Wellbeing, and what the implications may be for research, education and/or practice.

Over the past few decades, spirituality has emerged as a distinct and separate field of study in its own right, rather than being seen simply as an aspect of religion. Conventional views of consciousness have been similarly challenged and a new field of consciousness studies is developing. It is based on the so-called post-materialist paradigm which assumes that consciousness is fundamental in the universe (in other words that consciousness cannot be derived from matter and reduced to anything more basic). This calls into question a number of traditional approaches to scientific research, especially research into the nature of human experience. Some of the approaches and methodologies now being used to explore both spirituality and consciousness are broadly similar, and questions have arisen about the relationship between the two fields.

Alongside these developments, advances in technology and in the use of ‘artificial intelligence’ have affected many aspects of our lives, including the use of social media, methods of teaching and learning, working practices, and healthcare. While some advances have been welcomed, others have given cause for concern, especially in relation to their impact on social relationships and what constitutes ‘truth’. We are living through times when old certainties, expectations and ways of life can no longer be guaranteed; when there is no consensus on solutions to global problems; and when dramatically different worldviews are in evidence. In this context, understanding what constitutes ‘wellbeing’ and how a sense of it can be developed and maintained has become increasingly significant, not only for individuals but in local communities and professional contexts.

This conference will provide a space in which to consider all of these issues and developments and how they relate to one another; the methodologies and methods best suited to their study; and the role that spirituality and spirituality studies might play in shaping our collective future through research, education and practice.

Abstracts are now warmly invited

Contributions should address one or more elements of the conference theme.Your contribution may be in the form of an oral presentation, experiential workshop or a symposium. It should focus on an aspect of the study of spirituality which may be drawn from any relevant ‘conceptual space’. These include academic disciplines; the arts; education and development; health and wellbeing; leadership and management; nature and ecology; religions, wisdom traditions and indigenous worldviews; and transpersonal studies. Studies drawing on perspectives from within specific professions and communities are also welcome.

Click to read the full CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

The Deadline for receipt of Abstracts is 17:00 UK time on 3 December 2024

Notification of acceptance will be sent by 17 January 2025 to enable presenters to take advantage of the reduced ‘Early Bird’ booking fee which will close on 3 March 2025.

Fees

*The Early-bird rate will close at 17:00 UK time on 3 March 2025

Fees include registration, refreshments throughout the conference, an evening meal on Day 1, lunch and an evening Drinks Reception on Day 2. The Gala Conference Dinner on Day 2 is an optional extra at a cost of £40.

The dinner will be followed by an evening of musical entertainment from an acclaimed jazz band which will be open to all conference participants.

Please note that the annual membership fee for INSS is £65. This includes not only the reduced rate for the conference

but also free access to all SSN and SIG activities, print copies of the two issues each year of the

Journal for the Study of Spirituality (JSS) and access to the whole online archive (2011-date).

We are now also able to offer a concessionary annual membership fee of £25 to students and those who are on a low income. 

The concessionary fee includes free access to all SSN and SIG activities and online-only access to JSS.

JOIN INSS NOW

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Just as we posted the Call for Abstracts, the following joke came our way

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Flight Attendant: Is there a doctor on board?

Me: Yes, but I'm not that kind of ...

Flight Attendant: It's 16:52 GMT and the passenger in seat 37F has a conference abstract due in seven minutes.

It's currently 50 words over the limit.

Me: OK. I'm on it!

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Dont Delay - Write your Abstract Today!!

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