Chapman University in Orange, Calif., hosted a first‑of‑its‑kind gathering exploring the intersection of quantum science, philosophy, and Catholic theology from July 12–15.
The inaugural meeting was organized by Prof. Vincenzo Tamma of the University of Portsmouth and Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., director of the Magis Center, with the aim of building an international, interdisciplinary community connecting scholars and entrepreneurs who rarely collaborate. Chapman faculty Andrew Jordan and Daniele Struppa served as local organizers.
The event opened July 12 with a public lecture by Prof. Giuseppe Tanzella-Nitti followed by three days of invited talks on quantum science and technology, philosophy, and Catholic theology. He examined whether the notion of God retains meaning within contemporary scientific culture, and whether the practice of science itself remains open to questions of truth and meaning that transcend purely empirical analysis. Rather than discussing the confrontation between science and belief, the lecture proposed a more nuanced inquiry into the question of whether science could offer a glimpse of God.
Organizers said the meeting should lay the groundwork for a long‑term program fostering dialogue across science, technology, faith, and ethics, with an emphasis on collaboration among young researchers and institutions worldwide.
Susan is an author with a long-time interest in religion and science. She currently edits Covalence, the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology’s online magazine. She has written articles in The Lutheran and the Zygon Center for Religion and Science newsletter. Susan is a board member for the Center for Advanced Study of Religion and Science, the supporting organization for the Zygon Center and the Zygon Journal. She also co-wrote Our Bodies Are Selves with Dr. Philip Hefner and Dr. Ann Pederson.
