CTSI of Southeast Wisconsin Introduces New Center for Collaboration of Science and Faith
Faith and science are two of the most powerful influencers of our time and their collaborative approach could address some of the seemingly unsolvable problems afflicting individuals, communities, and societies.
The Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin (CTSI) is introducing the "Center for Collaboration of Science and Faith" to foster the cooperation of faith and science for advancing health and health equity.
The Center aims to create a platform where the scientific and faith communities can join to collaboratively tackle the unmet health needs of patients and communities through research and discovery. “We hope to increase understanding of scientific and operational principles behind the successful collaborations as well as developing solutions to overcome bottlenecks impeding collaboration,” said Reza Shaker MD, Founding Director of the Center and Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) associate provost for clinical and translational research, senior associate dean and director of CTSI, and Joseph E. Geenen Professor and Chief, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
The Center will look to enhance the relationship between faith and science, aiming to increase cooperation between the communities to advance health. It will also serve as a national and international resource to facilitate rapid response to urgent public health needs, and as important, provide bi-directional education and training for faith-science partnerships.
“Our commitment to community engagement, one of MCW’s essential missions, depends on creating a seamless intersection of science and faith. This novel center will accomplish that important goal,” said John R. Raymond, Sr. MD, Professor of Medicine, and Medical College of Wisconsin President and Chief Executive Officer.
“The Center for Collaboration of Science and Faith is envisioned as a pioneering initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between two seemingly disparate worlds. By fostering a space where scientific inquiry and spiritual beliefs can coexist harmoniously, the center aims to revolutionize the way we approach public health challenges,” said Dr. Shaker.
“This is an innovative approach to linking faith and science. In a time where there are many divisions, this work has the potential to advance understanding, collective work and the health of our communities,” said Joseph E. Kerschner, MD, MCW Provost and Executive Vice President, The Julia A. Uihlein, MA, Dean of the School of Medicine.
“Leveraging our successful partnerships with local faith communities for improving public health, and through collaborative research efforts and open dialogue, the center hopes to unravel the complexities of health disparities and innovate solutions that resonate with both science and faith-based principles,” said Doriel Ward, PhD, MPH, Center co-director, executive director and chief administrative officer of CTSI, assistant dean and assistant provost of clinical and translational research at MCW.
“By promoting mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration between these two communities, we aspire to cultivate a rich tapestry of knowledge that can be harnessed to uplift the well-being of individuals and societies alike. We invite interested individuals, leaders and organizations to join the Center as we embark upon this innovative and pioneering journey ,” shared Dr. Shaker.
Express your interest in joining the Center for Collaboration of Faith and Science.