By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, May 7, 2025 / 14:30 pm
The 2025 Conference of the Society of Catholic Scientists (SCS) will take place June 6–8 at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., with several talks set to address the origins of the human race from scientific, theological, and philosophical perspectives.
Stephen Barr, a physicist at the University of Delaware and founder of the group, told CNA he expects this year’s convention to attract approximately 150 attendees, including a significant number of young participants, mainly graduate students. The SCS has grown to over 2,000 members worldwide since its founding in 2016, with its first annual conference taking place in 2017.
Key topics this year include studies on the human mind, free will, and the relationship between neuroscience and philosophical views on human nature. In addition, three separate talks on human origins will explore the Catholic Church’s views on evolution.
On the society’s website, the SCS describes itself as an answer to the call of St. John Paul II that “members of the Church who are active scientists” be of service to those who are attempting to “integrate the worlds of science and religion in their own intellectual and spiritual lives.”
He said one of the main goals of the SCS annual conference is to be a place where Catholic scientists meet one another and have spiritual and intellectual fellowship.
“[W]hat we want to do is break that vicious cycle and show the world and each other that there are a lot of religious scientists …
Welcome to the World of Catholic Scientists!
It’s a common misconception that most scientists are atheists, but the reality is quite different. There are actually a lot of Catholic scientists out there who are making significant contributions to their fields while also embracing their faith. This is where the Society of Catholic Scientists comes in.
According to Barr, a member of the Society, their organization provides a sense of community for Catholic scientists, especially younger ones who may feel isolated in their workplaces. Many religious scientists tend to keep their beliefs private to avoid conflict, but the Society of Catholic Scientists aims to change that by creating a supportive environment where they can openly share their faith.
Last year’s conference focused on artificial intelligence, but this year’s event will cover a variety of topics. The lineup of speakers includes highly trained scientists as well as theologians and philosophers. One of the talks will address the concept of free will in relation to neuroscience, while another will explore the connection between mathematics and God.
The Society of Catholic Scientists is breaking barriers and fostering a sense of unity among Catholic scientists. By providing a platform for open discussion and collaboration, they are encouraging members to embrace both their scientific pursuits and their faith, without fear of judgment or isolation.
