---
title: "International Society for Science and Religion"
chunk: 1/1
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Society_for_Science_and_Religion"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T04:31:42.173627+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

The International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR) is a learned society established in 2001 for the purpose of the promotion of education through the support of inter-disciplinary learning and research in the fields of science and religion conducted where possible in an international and multi-faith context. The Society took shape after a four-day conference in Granada, Spain. The society’s central office is based at St. Edmund's College at the University of Cambridge. 
ISSR's daily operations are run by the Executive Secretary, Professor Fraser Watts in the UK, and Anthony K Nairn in Canada.


== Membership ==
Membership is by nomination only. The title of Fellow of ISSR (FISSR) is granted to all successful nominees. ISSR has over 350 current Members across the globe. There were 97 founding Members, including five Fellows of the Royal Society.


=== Varieties of faith tradition ===
Although many of the founders of the ISSR are Christians, the society actively welcomes members from other faith traditions. The book Why the Science and Religion Dialogue Matters produced by the Society has major contributions from:

John Polkinghorne, George Ellis, Holmes Rolston III and Fraser Watts (who are Christians), on why the science and religion dialogue matters
Carl Feit on Judaism
Munawar Anees on Islam
B.V. Subbarayappa on Hinduism
Trinh Xuan Thuan on Buddhism
Heup Young Kim on Asian Christianity


=== Presidents ===
The Presidents of the ISSR have been:

John Polkinghorne (Founding President)
George Ellis
Sir Brian Heap
John Hedley Brooke
Michael J. Reiss
Niels Henrik Gregersen (Current President)


== The Boyle Lectures ==
Since 2004, ISSR has been integral to the revived Lecture series, which has been held at the Christopher Wren church of St Mary-le-Bow on Cheapside in the City of London. The original Boyle Lectures date back to a series of sermons delivered at several churches in London and Westminster following their establishment in 1692. Those ‘original Boyles’ lasted until around 1730, although there were sporadic later ‘Boyle Lectures’ that continued to be given over the centuries since. 
The Lecture series consists of a Lecture delivered by a prominent figure in the scientific and spiritual/religious fields, followed by a Response from a figure of equal standing. 
The organization and oversight of the Boyle Lectures are administered by the Board of the Boyle Lectures, in collaboration with the Rector and Churchwardens of St Mary-le-Bow. The International Society for Science and Religion has taken a central role on the Board and has led the management, operation, and administration. 
Since the 2021 Lecture delivered by Tom McLeish (1962-2023) during the COVID-19 pandemic, ISSR has hosted the ISSR Digital Boyle on Science and Religion online through YouTube. These Digital Lectures are followed by a Live Discussion, consisting of a panel of scholars and/or relevant professionals in the fields at stake in that year’s Lecture. 


== Opposition to intelligent design ==
In 2008, the ISSR released a statement declaring "that intelligent design is neither sound science nor good theology."


== See also ==
Science and religion
Issues in Science and Religion by Ian Barbour


== Notes and references ==


== External links ==
Official Website
https://www.youtube.com/@ISSR