This session is for researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals working in biology. Participants must be primarily engaged in the field of biology as students (undergraduate or graduate), academics (including postdocs), professionals, or those retired from careers in the biological sciences. This discipline stream is not intended for health professionals or others outside the field of biology.
The Universal House of Justice has called for the creation of special spaces "for individuals from similar disciplines to interact at the annual [ABS] conference…to encourage them to attempt to explore thought in their field or profession in light of the Teachings". To this end, we are delighted to announce the formation of a new Disciplinary Stream for Biology, to be launched with an inaugural session at the 49th Annual ABS Conference. This session, which will be 3 hours in duration and require preliminary reading of material to be provided in advance, aims to bring together Bahá’í biologists to form an ongoing interest group focused on various aspects of biology, including its history, philosophy, current issues, and career strategies, all in the context of Bahá’í perspectives, in particular the principle of the harmony of science and religion. The meeting will feature introductions, discussions, and the formulation of a continuing action plan, including the establishment of an ongoing reading & discussion group with regular online gatherings. The goal is to foster a collaborative and supportive community of Bahá’í biologists.
Registered participants will be sent introductory material related to the topics of history of biology, philosophy of biology, and 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablet to Dr. Auguste Forel to prepare for the inaugural meeting. Participants will be informed to prepare concerns or issues in their immediate field of research or future research concerning harmony between science and religion. They can share these points of concern during the introduction session, which will become the topic of consultation at a later session.
