GRACE-ETN

Project description

GRACE-ETN: Globalization, Religion and Culture Educational ENLIGHT Thematic Network is a three-year initiative (2025–2027) led by the Centre for Religion, Conflict and Globalization (CRCG-RUG) at the Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society or the University of Groningen. Rooted in our commitment to academic collaboration with real-world impact, GRACE-ETN brings together universities and civil society partners to explore the role of religion in addressing some of today’s most pressing global challenges.

The network promotes interdisciplinary education and research on religion in relation to conflict, migration, climate change, globalization, and gender. With a focus on equity, climate justice, and cultural participation rights, GRACE-ETN creates spaces for reflection, exchange, and innovation.

Key activities include webinars, reading groups, policy briefing groups, summer schools, and an active alumni network. These formats are designed to strengthen collaboration across institutions, support early-career researchers, and build long-term capacity in the field.

GRACE-ETN brings together five core partners: the University of Groningen, University of Ghent, and University of the Basque Country (members of the ENLIGHT network), alongside the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Anna Lindh Foundation. Together, the network forms a vibrant, international platform for the study of religion at the intersection of academia and society.

Team members

Centre for Religion, Conflict and Globalization, University of Groningen (CRCG-RUG)

• Dr. Manoela Carpenedo Rodrigues
• Dr. Ana Fernández-Aballí Altamirano
• Dr. Uroš Kovač
• Dr. Julia Martínez Ariño (ETN coordinator)
• Dr. Joram Tarusarira
  

Centre for Research on Culture and Gender, Ghent University (CRCG-UGHENT)

• Dr.  Chia Longman
• Dr. Carine Plancke
• Dr. An van Raemdonck
  

Basque Immigration Observatory, University of the Basque Country (IKUSPEGI-UPV)

• Dr. Julia Shershneva Zastavnaia
• Dr. Iraide Fernández Aragón
• Dr. Arkaitz Fullaondo Elordui-Zapaterietxe
  

Research in Sociology of Religion Group, Autonomous University of Barcelona (ISOR-UAB)

• Dr. Victor Albert
• Dr. Avi Astor
• Prof. Dr. Mar Griera
  

Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF)

• Dr. Alessandro Lamonica