International Society for Empirical Research in Theology
Empirical research.
Theological reflection.
International exchange.
ISERT brings together researchers who use empirical methods to explore theological and religious questions across disciplines, traditions and contexts.
About ISERT
An international community for empirical research in theology
ISERT was founded in 2002 by Johannes van der Ven and a group of colleagues at its inaugural conference at Radboud University Nijmegen. Since then, the Society has developed into a vibrant international, interconfessional and interdisciplinary community.
ISERT advances reflection on the meaning of empirical theology and its relationship with practical theology, while also encouraging empirical research in systematic and moral theology, religious studies, the sociology of religion and the psychology of religion. It offers a space in which theological inquiry and methodological rigour can be brought into sustained and constructive conversation.
Our objectives
Research, reflection and connection
Develop research
To provide a platform for developing, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative programmes and projects in empirical research on religion and theology.
Clarify foundations
To examine the foundational, epistemological, methodological and conceptual implications of empirical research in theology, religious studies, the sociology of religion and the psychology of religion.
Build networks
To facilitate an international and cross-disciplinary network for researchers working in these fields.
Conferences
More than two decades of conversation
Our biennial conferences bring members together to present research, deepen methodological and theological debates, and sustain an international scholarly community.
- 2002 Nijmegen Empirical Research and Theological Normativity
- 2004 Bielefeld Religious Praxis
- 2006 Bangor Theology in Texts and Tables
- 2008 Würzburg The Public Significance of Religion
- 2010 Rome Religious Identity and National Heritage
- 2012 Nijmegen The Concept of Religion: Defining and Measuring Contemporary Beliefs and Practices
- 2014 York Cross-Cultural Research of Religion
- 2016 Amsterdam The Future of Religious Communities
- 2018 Helsinki Shifting Borders in Empirical Theology
- 2022 Assisi Religion, Ecology and Human Flourishing
- 2024 Siegen Empirical Theology and Postcolonial Theory
- 2026 London Religion, Globalisation and the City
Membership
Join the ISERT community
ISERT welcomes scholars whose research connects theology or religious studies with empirical inquiry and who wish to contribute to an international and interdisciplinary conversation.
Members should normally
- hold a PhD in theology or an equivalent academic qualification;
- have practical experience of conducting theologically informed empirical research, demonstrated through a substantial publication record;
- support the objectives of ISERT and be prepared to contribute to their realisation.
Applications should include
- a brief curriculum vitae;
- a list of major publications;
- the candidate’s current postal address, email address and telephone number.
Applications should be sent to the Society’s Secretary together with a brief letter outlining the applicant’s contribution to empirical research in theology or religious studies.
Board
The ISERT Executive Board
Journal
Journal of Empirical Theology
ISERT publishes a journal dedicated to empirical research in theology. The Journal of Empirical Theology provides an international forum for scholarship at the intersection of empirical inquiry and theological reflection.
Visit the journal website