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

  • Promoting the legacy of John Henry Newman and supporting research on all aspects of his work - his 'Dublin writings' (1851-1858) in particular.

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

  • Hosting a series of public lectures and conferences on contemporary issues concerning religions and faith, and in this way to developing the Centre as a locus of discussion and debate on contemporary issues of religion and faith in the context of the challenges facing Irish society (see here [link to News & Events page] for details of forthcoming Centre events).

  • 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 study Newman, religions and theology at UCD.

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

  • Co-operating and exchanging links with other international centres of academic research in religions 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. 

  • Neoplatonism and the Abrahamic Traditions (NeoplAT). Led by Assoc. Prof. Dragos Calma (UCD School of Philosophy), NeoplAT offers a fresh and thoroughly documented account of the impact of Pagan Neoplatonism on the Abrahamic traditions. 

  • Religion and Society. Led by Prof. Maeve Cooke (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 Assoc. Prof. 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.