Turku Hub for Research on Religion

The Turku Hub for Research on Religion is a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation and enhance visibility among institutions and researchers engaged in the study of religion and theology in the Turku region. Turku hosts a remarkable number of institutes, departments, and academic programs dedicated to these fields. While some collaboration already exists, there lies a clear value in more systematic exchange and joint efforts. Work to establish the hub began in spring 2025.

Objectives

The Turku Hub for Research on Religion aims to:

  • Foster collaboration between key research institutions.
  • Improve communication about ongoing and planned research.
  • Support scholars through shared resources, regular meetings, and joint initiatives

Structure and Support

The hub is not owned by any single entity; it exists for all researchers of religion in Turku. Its success depends on active initiatives and collaborations from scholars. The hub does not have separate funding; instead, participating institutions contribute in various ways to support its activities.

Participating institutions

The following institutions and departments are currently involved in the hub:

Join the Turku Hub for Research on Religion

Other groups and institutions are warmly invited to join the hub! This is still a new initiative, and its future development remains open and collaborative. What has been agreed so far is to organise practically oriented seminars that benefit researchers across disciplines. These will take place 1–2 times per year. In addition, the hub hosts informal get-togethers to encourage networking and conversation.

Stay Informed

Information about the hub is shared via the email list: religionabo@lists.utu.fi. This list is also used to announce events in Turku that may interest researchers of religion.To join the list, please contact Minna Opas at the University of Turku.

Planning Tools

The hub has created a shared calendar as a practical tool for coordinating events. To gain access, please contact Reima Välimäki at the University of Turku.

Events

20 May 2026, 10 am–5 pm. Hub seminar in collaboration with the Polin Institute on Research Ethics and AI. Further information about the seminar will be provided later.

Questions or Ideas?

If you have questions or suggestions about the hub, feel free to reach out to any of the organising institutions or departments. For example, you can contact Sofia Sjö at the Donner Institute. If you wish your ongoing project to be shown here or have any other questions or suggestions concerning the webpage, please contact Anna-Stina Hägglund, Research Communications Planner at the Donner Institute.

Ongoing Research Projects