Apply for IASACT 2022
BACKGROUND
Institute for Advanced Study in Asian Cultures and Theologies (IASACT) is a four-week residential program that provides space and time for scholars to deepen their understanding of theologies and traditions. Participants undertake research and writing in the broad area of Asian cultures and theologies and complete a working paper while in residence. Starting from 2015, IASACT is organized by the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and funded by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia. Since 2004, 244 scholars from 114 institutions in 18 countries have benefited from the time IASACT affords for reflection, interaction and network-building.
More information about the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia.
IASACT 2022
-
IASACT has been a forum for research, writing and exchange of ideas on cultures and religions in Asia. More than 240 scholars participated in the Institute for the past 15 years as individual researchers. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an extraordinary situation for our generation. Apart from economic and financial dimensions, the impact of the pandemic is found in the issues of mental health, data and personal privacy, personal freedom, education, human relations, and so on. The pandemic has not only been changing and impacting the ways we live but also initiates us to quest more about what still makes lives meaningful in the ever-changing complexity and inscrutability of the world around us. The Institute for Advanced Study in Asian Cultures and Theologies (IASACT) 2022, organized by Divinity School of Chung Chi College and funded by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, will focus on the availability and possibility of Asian cultural, religious, and spiritual resources and modalities. It aims to inspire and enhance our reflection of meaning in life and its relevant practice in the times of pandemic across cultures and the life span.
-
The IASACT 2022 recognizes the value of interdisciplinary engagement as a basis for exploring the full range of questions about the meaning in life and the possibility of living a meaningful life. Accordingly, we invite anyone who has a research, professional or practical interest in the topic to contribute to the role of Asian cultures, religions, and spiritualities on critical issues around meaning and life. Research could offer empirical data (interviews, media analysis, contextual analysis) or theoretical analysis. Possible subthemes are as follows:
-
1. Creating meaning (cultural, philosophical, theological, psychological, etc.)
-
2. Innovative community and pastoral practices
-
3. Related sub-themes, such as environment, gender, women, minorities, health policy, etc.
-
Click HERE for the pamphlet of IASACT 2022 for more information.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
8 July - 16 December 2022
CONTENT
Selected scholars must be available for all activities in the following Friday afternoons (Hong Kong time GMT+8):
- July 8: Opening & an orientation webinar
- July 15 & 22: Brief Presentations of proposals
- August 26 & September 2: Mid-term progress report
- Mid-September: a webinar led by a senior scholar in the field
- July to October: regular individual meetings with the assigned mentor
- October 21 & 28: Presentation of final deliverables
- December 16: Submission of a final paper
DELIVRABLE
- A mid-term presentation on the research progress (framework, methodology, plans, difficulties, and findings or tentative conclusion);
- Written commentaries to at least two other research projects upon their presentation;
- A research paper offering empirical data (interviews, media analysis, contextual analysis) or theoretical analysis.
SUGGESTED THEMES
SUBSIDY & SUPPORT
ELIGIBILITY
Priority will be given to young Asian scholars who:
．are working in Asia;
．have professional affiliation to an Asian higher education institution;
．are early to mid-career faculty or researchers;
．have already started their research and are seeking advice and support to develop the research to an advanced stage.
．Due to the virtual nature of all activities for IASACT 2022, applicants should have stable access to internet connectivity for participation. For proper communication with the mentor and among the scholars, a good level of English proficiency is required.
IASACT LEADERSHIP
IASACT Dean
Prof. Lap Yan KUNG
Associate Professor
Divinity School of Chung Chi College
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
IASACT Associate Dean
Dr. Wai Ching Angela WONG
Vice President for Programs
United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia
Advisory Committee
Dr. Wai Ching Angela WONG (Co-Chair)
Prof. Lap Yan KUNG (Co-Chair)
Dr. Joseph GOH, Malaysia
Dr. Pushpa JOSEPH, India
Mr. ZHANG Jun, P.R.China
Dr. Le Ngoc Dich LY, Thailand
Dr. Charles Jessie RANJITHA Jeba Selvi, India
APPLICATION
Applications must be submitted online and should include the following attachments:
- an updated CV (not exceeding two pages);
- a project abstract with objectives and description of no more than 1,500 words, not including footnotes and bibliography;
- a brief outline of the expected output (not exceeding two pages);
- a recommendation letter from an affiliated institution.
Please register via HERE. Deadline of registration is 16 May (Monday).
Pamphlet of IASACT 2022 can be accessed via HERE.
PUBLICATION
QUEST: Studies on Religion & Culture in Asia is a publication from the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, the Chinese University of Hong Kong for the IASACT program. Scholars of IASACT submit a paper to QUEST which is a peer-reviewed journal, and aims to be a “Gold” open access journal. It publishes research and book review articles that may span the full spectrum of religious studies, cultural studies, theological studies, and interdisciplinary studies on the cultures and religions in Asia.