The Anglican Communion Science Commission (ACSC) has set up a new grant scheme for young people who want to engage with science and faith in their local context. Funds will help projects that show how science and faith can be partners in tackling the great challenges of our time, in areas like the environment and health care, or new technologies such as AI.

In a fast-changing world, increasingly shaped by rapid developments in science and technology, the Science Commission hopes it will invest in the leadership and capabilities of the next generation.

The funding is offered through the ‘Fellowship of Young Anglican Science Enthusiasts’ (FYASE), a group of young people aged 18–35 that has grown out of the Anglican Communion Youth Network. It has been made possible with funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation, who have awarded $259,028.

The Anglican Communion Science Commission will make funding available in smaller grants awarded over a two-year period. Grants will be made for young people to develop community-based research, education and practical opportunities that will help to bridge the confidence gap between science and faith, helping young scientists to express their faith within their careers and helping others to trust in the power of science.

Applications are welcome from FYASE members and from other young people. The fellowship meets regularly with Archbishop Linda Nicholls, former Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada and a Commissioner of the Science Commission, who provides guidance and encouragement.

Participants will be supported by a bishop already designated as the ‘Lead Science Bishop’ (LSB) for their area and by the provision of training in Action Research and Appreciative Inquiry, appropriate to the context and culture of their project.

There will be two kinds of request for proposals within the FYASE project:

• requests for FYASE members to submit projects that are initiated and conducted by young adults under the oversight of a Lead Science Bishop.
• requests for Lead Science Bishops to submit projects in which the bishop takes the lead in calling together and working with young adults.

The project will be administered through the Anglican Communion Office and supported by the Anglican Communion Science Commission. Canon Stephen Spencer will act as project director on behalf of the ACO, Professor Andrew Briggs of the Science Commission will be the lead instructor and Dr Heather Payne, also of the Science Commission, will provide training in Action Research and Appreciative Inquiry.

Speaking about the funding, Canon Stephen Spencer said: ‘Churches often play a major role in collaborating with the science community in matters of health care and environmental matters around the world. The FYASE project will equip a new generation of thought leaders of faith to find fresh and innovative ways to move this collaboration forward in their own contexts. In a world which will be shaped by science and technology at an accelerating rate it will help young scientists to express their faith within their scientific vocation, and it will help their non-scientist peers to trust in the power of science.’

The Anglican Communion Science Commission was created following the 2022 Lambeth Conference and exists to celebrate science as a God-given resource and to promote collaboration between faith and science communities for the betterment of people and the planet.

Young people are encouraged to apply by 30 September 2026.

For information about how proposals can be submitted to the Anglican Communion Office email: [email protected].

A second round of proposals closes on 31 March 2027.

Read more about the Science Commission