This newly established chair by special appointment in Integral Ecology aims to strengthen academic and societal dialogue on ecology and social justice from a perspective that integrates science, ethics, and worldviews. The appointment of Carmody Grey is for a period of five years.
Special chair in Integral Ecology
The ecological crisis has many facets and dimensions. In addition to scientific factors, ethical, philosophical, spiritual and religious dimensions play crucial roles. The chair by special appointment in Integral Ecology seeks to deepen and broaden the dialogue on socio-ecological issues through an integral approach that combines scientific knowledge with ethical, philosophical, spiritual and religious perspectives. In the coming years, Grey will focus on advancing Integral Ecology from the tradition of Catholic Social Thought while engaging in dialogue with other worldviews, both religious and secular. She will focus on collaborating not only with academic institutions but also with other societal partners.
About Carmody Grey
Grey was previously assistant professor of Catholic Theology at Durham University and is also Adjunct Professor of Ethics at the University of Bern. Since joining Durham in 2018, she has forged an global reputation in philosophical theology and theological ethics, with a focus on science, nature and environment. Her monograph Theology, Science and Life was published in 2023. She’s in high demand as a speaker and broadcaster in the UK and across the world. Grey holds multiple degrees in theology and philosophy (from Trinity College Oxford, King’s College Cambridge, the University of Bristol and the University of Nottingham) as well as a postgraduate degree in conservation biology (from Edinburgh).
Laudato Si’ Institute
The Special Chair in Integral Ecology is part of the Laudato Si’ Institute for Integral Ecology, a collaborative initiative between Radboud University and Socires, established in December 2023. Following the earlier appointments of a research fellow and a PhD student, the appointment of Grey marks an important step in further shaping the Laudato Si’ Institute and promoting academic and societal dialogue on the socio-ecological challenges of our time. The 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis serves as a key inspiration for the Institute.
The Special Chair in Integral Ecology was initiated by the independent think-tank Socires and is established with support from, among others, Porticus, Fundatie Charitas Roosendaal, RC Maagdenhuis, Kansfonds and Stichting BKBO.