Summary: Building on a previous grant, this project applies novel social network theory and methods (Wasserman & Faust, 1994) to increasing the socio-academic impact of the established Latin-American Research Network for the Study of Science, Belief and Society (LARNSSBS – https://www.crysnetwork.org/). Informed by this theoretical perspective, improved network efficiency is pursued by strengthening interconnections among previously identified research groups and by strategically expanding its membership to include key social actors beyond academia. The project’s specific aims are: To promote the development of an enduring, mature, and impactful cross-national/regional research network capable of effectively supporting projects studying science-belief relationships in and between Latin American societies. To improve the LARNSSBS’ social architecture in ways that can most effectively support scholars working on science and religion in Latin America and increase the visibility of their work. To provide isolated researchers working on science-beliefs relationships in Latin America with access to collaborative spaces where

Summary: The researchers of this project previously participated in “Science and Religion: Exploring the Spectrum” and produced 64 interviews and 7 focus groups on the perceptions of Argentinians (scientists and from the general public) about the relationship between science and religion. This project has already produced 2 written articles (another one is in the process of being written), and has allowed a first exploration of a previously unstudied topic in Argentina. This exploratory study revealed some trends which deserve more research for a deeper understanding. Some of these are related to non-religious individuals. First, we observed important differences between agnostics and atheists (with have no relevant differences in their identities in Argentina) and non-religious individuals. While the former show greater distancing from supernatural ideas, the latter tend to reject religious institutions, but not necessarily beliefs such as God, Jesus Christ, energy, spirits and life after death. Secondly, non-religious people with

Summary: The project will set up a research network for the study of the relationships of science, and belief in Latin American societies. Network’s aims are: To analyse regional research agendas on the relationships and impact of science and belief in Latin American societies. To improve public communication capacities of Latin American researchers working on the field of science and belief. To raise awareness about the importance and future perspectives of the research field. Although there are several networks in Latin America, up to our knowledge, there is not any fostering and supporting research on science and beliefs from an interdisciplinary perspective. Recent research (Kantis & Angelelli, 2020) shows that Latin American research ecosystems encounter several barriers: lack of entrepreneurial approach and training among researchers, mismatch with local problems and needs, lack of research agendas, financial and normative instability. Simultaneously, geographical distance to conferences and networks venues, lack of calendar