Launch of Edinburgh Buddhist Studies network

An interdisciplinary group of Edinburgh academics has launched a research network which focuses on Buddhism in different contexts within culture and society.

Co-directors Naomi Appleton and Halle O'Neal
Co-directors Naomi Appleton and Halle O'Neal with the Edinburgh Buddhist Studies banner stand

Members include:

  • Dr Naomi Appleton, Co-Director, School of Divinity (Religious Studies)
  • Dr Halle O'Neal, Co- Director, Edinburgh College of Art (History of Art)
  • Dr Ian Astley, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (Japanese Studies)
  • Professor Joachim Gentz, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (Chinese Studies)
  • Professor Jonathan Spencer, School of Social and Political Science (Anthropology)
  • Dr Chris Clark, School of Divinity (Religious Studies)
  • Mr Nic Newton, the network’s Web & Communications Officer, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (Asian Studies)

There are a number of associate members in universities across the north of the UK and at the National Museum of Scotland.

Aims

Edinburgh Buddhist Studies aims to:

  • foster interdisciplinary scholarship across the broad field of Buddhist studies
  • nurture, and shape the trajectory of, the future of Buddhist studies in the UK
  • promote improved public understanding of Buddhism
  • enhance the reputation of the University of Edinburgh as a key international hub for research, teaching, and outreach relating to Asian religions.
Edinburgh Buddhist Studies Steering Committee
Edinburgh Buddhist Studies steering committee (L-R Joachim Gentz, Naomi Appleton, Chris Clark, Jonathan Spencer, Ian Astley, Halle O’Neal and Nic Newton)

Launch events

A launch reception was held at the National Museum of Scotland, 6 September 2019 and the inaugural academic event, a roundtable discussion on Interdisciplinarity and Buddhist Studies, will be held in the Senate Room, New College, Friday 1 November 2019. Further details may be found on the Edinburgh Buddhist Studies website.

Links

Edinburgh Buddist Studies website

National Museum of Scotland

Dr Appleton's profile

Dr O'Neal's profile

Dr Astley's profile

Professor Gentz's profile

Professor Spencer's profile

Dr Clark's profile

Mr Newton's Profile

 

 

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