THE AUSTIN FACULTY ROUNDTABLE 

CONVERSATIONS ON SCIENCE AND RELIGION

About The Austin Faculty Roundtable

The Austin Faculty Roundtable on Science and Religion at the University of Texas is a program dedicated to fostering dialogue that explores the intersection of academic thought with ethics, worldview, research and every shade of religious and nonreligious thought on issues related to science, philosophy and religion. Select community leaders are invited to ensure a diversity of viewpoints as we focus on the questions and shared concerns of the various fields of science and modes of understanding religious life, practices, beliefs and experiences, with the aim of building mutual relationships of trust and creativity. 

The event usually includes dinner, wine, dessert and discussion after brief remarks from our presenters. At the close of our evening, we include time for questions and comments directed to each other and to our presenters. 

The Roundtables have been sponsored and funded in part by the John Templeton Foundation, a philanthropic catalyst for discoveries related to the big questions of human purpose and ultimate reality. Additional funding has been provided by generous scholars and foundations invested in the intersection of science and faith.

Upcoming Events

Do Science and Faith Need Each Other? A Conversation on Science, Religion, and Forms of Knowledge

Ever since the enlightenment, the divide between Science and Religion has widened to deep proportions. Even so, many of us wonder, what is the relationship between the sciences, religions, and the roots of knowledge that form our deepest convictions. Do Science and Religion affect or build on one another? And do they actually need each other? If so, how so? If these questions interest you, join us for a lively conversation as we explore these questions together. Dave Vosburg, Hina Azam, and Moribeh Jah will be sharing with us their perspective from their scholarly and personal experiences. 

Let us know if you'll be attending!

What People Have Said About Other Roundtable Events


"The most recent event was of great interest to the table at which I participated. 

The speakers were among the best we've ever had."

Professor of Sociomedical Sciences in Public Health


“Unlike a straightforward lecture, which people tend to engage with primarily intellectually and often combatively, this dinner and talk allowed for a kind of fellowship and mutual respect to develop that held a space for differences of opinion to co-exist and for new friendships to form. This sort of networking experience was very powerful!”

Professor of Religious Studies


“I thought it was great and provided a safe space to have some interesting conversations with other faculty that I certainly would have never had otherwise.” 

Professor of Applied Mathematics


"This was one of the best talks at the Roundtables that I have attended!"

Professor of English and Comparative Literature


“The program was provocative; the evening was deeply satisfying.

This was sociability at its best.” 

Professor of Philosophy


“Interesting views on Science and its 'provability' as expressed by the presenters. I am a chemical engineer and found

the arguments fascinating.”

Professor of Engineering