The key research activities and aims of the Newman Centre include:

  • Promoting and supporting research on the life and work of John Henry Newman.

  • Fostering and supporting interdisciplinary work on religions and faith in UCD, Dublin, and Ireland.

  • Hosting public lectures and conferences on contemporary research into religion and faith.

  • Supporting applications for research funding from major grant awarding institutions such as the European Research Council, the Templeton Foundation, and the Irish Research Council.

  • Attracting funding for postdoctoral fellowships and postgraduate scholarships for those wishing to undertake research on Newman Studies and religion and faith at UCD.

  • Preserving and developing the Newman Research Library located in Newman House.

  • Co-operating and exchanging links with other international centres of academic research on religion and faith.

 

The Centre is currently organised around four major research projects:

  • Newman Studies. This project supports research on John Henry Newman’s thought and work and maintains the Newman Library in Newman House. Led by Angelo Bottone (Newman Society and Trust) and Daniel Esmonde Deasy (UCD School of Philosophy).

  • Religion and Science. Led by Daniel Esmonde Deasy (UCD School of Philosophy), this project aims to address questions concerning the relationship between religious views and scientific theory, and epistemological questions concerning religious and scientific belief.

  • Religion and Society. Led by Maeve Cooke (UCD School of Philosophy) and Katherine o'Donnell (UCD School of Philosophy), this project brings together researchers with an interest in religions and faith from many different disciplines. 

  • Jewish Thought and Contemporary Philosophy. Led by Joseph Cohen (UCD School of Philosophy), this project aims to investigate the relation between Jewish Philosophy and contemporary philosophical and political thought, including the role and place of Judaism and Jewish thought in Irish society.