Launch of Edinburgh Buddhist Studies network
An interdisciplinary group of Edinburgh academics has launched a research network which focuses on Buddhism in different contexts within culture and society.

Members include:
- Dr Naomi Appleton, Co-Director, School of Divinity (Religious Studies)
- Dr Halle O'Neal, Co- Director, Edinburgh College of Art (History of Art)
- Dr Ian Astley, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (Japanese Studies)
- Professor Joachim Gentz, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (Chinese Studies)
- Professor Jonathan Spencer, School of Social and Political Science (Anthropology)
- Dr Chris Clark, School of Divinity (Religious Studies)
- Mr Nic Newton, the network’s Web & Communications Officer, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (Asian Studies)
There are a number of associate members in universities across the north of the UK and at the National Museum of Scotland.
Aims
Edinburgh Buddhist Studies aims to:
- foster interdisciplinary scholarship across the broad field of Buddhist studies
- nurture, and shape the trajectory of, the future of Buddhist studies in the UK
- promote improved public understanding of Buddhism
- enhance the reputation of the University of Edinburgh as a key international hub for research, teaching, and outreach relating to Asian religions.

Launch events
A launch reception was held at the National Museum of Scotland, 6 September 2019 and the inaugural academic event, a roundtable discussion on Interdisciplinarity and Buddhist Studies, will be held in the Senate Room, New College, Friday 1 November 2019. Further details may be found on the Edinburgh Buddhist Studies website.
Links
Edinburgh Buddist Studies website