Summary: We are requesting funding to support a series of events, aimed at expanding the network activities of MENA S&R. During 2023-2024, we will organise an international hybrid workshop, an onsite tour, a virtual seminar series, a student writing essay prize and a writing retreat. Inspired by recent studies of non-Christian contexts in the study of science and religion, our initiative brings together early career and senior scholars to reflect upon the ways the increase of research in non-Christian religious contexts has changed research methods and agendas. Through a series of think tank meetings and collaborative writing projects, this year we will reflect on the connections between pioneering scholarship on science and religion and recent works in non-Christain contexts, working together to articulate the potential impacts of non-Christian scholarship on main themes in the study of science and religion.

In its initial stage (July 2021 – June 2023), MENA S&R brought together scholars who study the interface of science and religion from a variety of disciplinary perspectives throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Due to COVID-19 and other regional sensitivities, these conversations were entirely online, as virtual meetings, conferences and paper submissions were most efficient as a starting point. As we wish to bring this initiative to its next phase, we are requesting funding to support a series of events, scheduled to take place between March 2023 and June 2024. Through hybrid network meetings, publications and presentations, this funding will help foster a productive conversation between researchers in North Africa and the Middle East. In doing so, we anticipate that the expansion of the network will play an important role in diversifying local and global research in science, religion and society, as well as attract further funding in the future.