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.

Book Launch: Of Mud and Lotuses

September 24, 2026

4:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Zoom Webinar

Join us on Thursday September 24 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time to celebrate the release of Dr. Paula Arai’s newest book — Of Mud and Lotuses: Dreaming the Lives of Buddhist Women. Register for this event. A unique blend of […]

2026 Graduation and Commencement

May 21, 2026

2:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Jodo Shinshu Center (IBS)

Join us in person and online for our 2026 graduation and commencement ceremony to celebrate our students completing degree and certificate programs. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Pacific Time and will conclude with a reception at the Jodo […]

Student Thesis Symposium

May 20, 2026

1:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Jodo Shinshu Center (IBS)

Come learn what graduating students have been researching in their theses, get inspired, and feel the enthusiasm behind their academic work!   Click here to register for the Zoom link. Click below to RSVP in person.

Open book on table, woman writing on paper, studying

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.