Research Centers & Programs

In addition to their individual research projects, many IBS faculty are engaged in collaborative projects, bringing scholars from other institutions to Berkeley to conduct research or present at public conferences or symposia.Whereas some projects are focused on a single theme or topic, such as our

Henry Luce Foundation supported program on Public Theologies of Technology and Presence [link], others are ongoing and organized into formal research centers such as the Center for Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies.

Regardless of their scope, such projects give life to the academic study of Buddhism and create public forums for our work to reach outside our community.

Taitetsu Unno Memorial Lecture: All Power to the Sangha

April 24, 2026

4:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Jodo Shinshu Center (IBS)

With generous support from the Unno family and in honor of Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno, the Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce the 2026 Taitetsu Unno Memorial lecture, by Dr. Jeff Wilson, on Friday, April 24th at 4pm. […]

2026 Ryukoku Lectures: Shinran’s Thought on Shinjin and Benefitting Others

April 8, 2026

12:00 am to 12:00 am

Zoom Webinar

Please join us for the 2026 Ryukoku Lecture series to be held on Zoom on April 8 and 9, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Pacific Time Rev. Koji Tamaki of Ryukoku University Faculty of Letters, Department of Shin Buddhism April 8th […]

IBS Dorm Dedication and Open House

February 27, 2026

4:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Haste Street Dorm

IBS students and alums, faculty and staff, trustees and donors are invited to attend a special reception on the occasion of the reopening and dedication of the Rev. Dr. Seigen Haruo Yamaoka Memorial Dormitory. Closed for renovations in 2023, the […]

Research Centers and Programs

In addition to their individual research projects, many IBS faculty are engaged in collaborative projects, bringing scholars from other institutions to Berkeley to conduct research or present at public conferences or symposia.Whereas some projects are focused on a single theme or topic, such as our

Henry Luce Foundation supported program on Public Theologies of Technology and Presence, others are ongoing and organized into formal research centers such as the Center for Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies.

Regardless of their scope, such projects give life to the academic study of Buddhism and create public forums for our work to reach outside our community.

Public Theologies of Technology and Presence

The Public Theologies of Technology and Presence program gathers and funds a cohort of leading scholars of religion, theologians, and journalists for their work addressing a pressing concern of contemporary life: The ways in which technologies reshape human relationships and alter how people are or are not “present” with each other. The three-year program launched in 2018 and is supported by the Henry Luce Foundation.

Center for Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies

The Center for Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies coordinates scholarly activity between IBS, Ryukoku University, and international Shin Buddhist scholars.

Rare Book Room and Nagatomi Collection

The IBS Rare Book Room and Nagatomi Collection contains an extensive collection of Buddhist materials and resources for the academic study of Buddhism and religion.

International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies

The Institute of Buddhist Studies has long had a collegial partnership with the International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies (IASBS), and several members of our faculty are also members of the IASNS North American District Steering Committee.