The Summer Conference is IRAS’s flagship event. It is an exceptional opportunity to get away from daily routines long enough to engage in deep and transformative learning; to encounter others with a passion for human well-being; to participate in respectful and informed dialogue illuminated by the best scientific, religious and philosophical insights.
All of this occurs is in a setting that is physically beautiful, ecologically responsible, psychologically safe, intellectually reliable, personally challenging, spiritually uplifting and family/child friendly.
Each Summer Conference explores a focal question that demands the best of science, religion, spirituality and philosophy to map its dimensions. The themes and the Conference Books of all past IRAS conferences are found at Past Conferences.
All of this occurs is in a setting that is physically beautiful, ecologically responsible, psychologically safe, intellectually reliable, personally challenging, spiritually uplifting and family/child friendly.
Each Summer Conference explores a focal question that demands the best of science, religion, spirituality and philosophy to map its dimensions. The themes and the Conference Books of all past IRAS conferences are found at Past Conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When is the IRAS Summer Conference? |
June 25–July 2, 2023.
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Q: Who is the IRAS Summer Conference for? |
The IRAS Summer Conference is for you, if you:
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Q: Do I have to be a member of IRAS? |
No. We welcome all people who are inclined to participate
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Q: Do I have to be an academic? |
No. While many members of IRAS are, or have been, academic faculty, we welcome every person who values dialogue that is authentically informed by the many dimensions that constitute our humanity.
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Q: Do I have to be religious? |
No. Those who participate in the IRAS Summer Conference are from almost every point on the religious/spiritual compass.
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Q: So the IRAS Summer Conference is not just another normal conference? |
Yes. We aim for an event that is intellectually sound, psychologically safe, personally challenging, spiritually uplifting, and child/family friendly.
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Q: What are the major activities at the conference?
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ADULT PROGRAM: Each morning the conference will feature daily plenary dialogues followed by small discussion groups. Selected papers, workshops, informal activities and a social hour fi ll the afternoon. Each evening will feature novel and collaborative ways to engage one another and explore/express what we are feeling, thinking and learning.
YOUTH PROGRAM Children and youth will meet in their age groups each morning from during IRAS theme talks. Activities include island exploration/ beach time, marine lab and island musician visits, art, field games, and conference-themed, age-appropriate activities. The afternoon Serendipity Program offers art projects on the porch and lawn games on the front lawn every day except Wednesday, when we’ll hold our annual Intergenerational Olympics. Evening activities include a bonfire, theater games, singalong and storytelling evening, art, games, and Candy Bingo. |
Q: Would a paper given at an IRAS Summer Conference count as a serious paper given at a serious academic conference? |
This has been the case in the past. We assume it will continue.
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Q: How can I get papers from previous conferences? |
Papers from previous conferences are not available as such. Some have been published in Zygon. Abstracts of presentations for conferences held since 1991 can be obtained by downloading the PDF files from the past conferences page.
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Q: How do I get on the mailing list for future IRAS Summer Conferences? |
Q: How do I submit a proposal for a paper or workshop? |
Q: Is any financial assistance available? |
Yes. See both Fellowships & Scholarships offered by IRAS, and both Discounts and Financial Aid on the Star Island website under Registration.
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Q: How do I register? |
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