About us
IERN is a global community connecting academics and practitioners dedicated to the Integral Ecology paradigm.
Our mission is to develop and promote research and practice
that advance a just socio-ecological transformation
We foster scholarly reflection that uses Integral Ecology as its working paradigm.
We advance research of socio-ecological problems and solutions through the development of transdisciplinary projects that are attentive to faith-based, spiritual and wisdom perspectives, and the voices of the marginalised.
We connect and promote collaboration and partnerships between researchers, businesses, industry, social and policy actors, civil society, and philanthropists from all levels of society.
We create and support a global community of those engaged in research at the interface between academia, formation, policy, and practice.
A need and a call
Academic institutions are seeking to respond to the ever-deepening socio-ecological crisis through transformed curricula and pedagogies as well as through transdisciplinary research that connects academia to the needs of marginalized communities. No connecting platform currently exists for researchers inspired by Laudato Si’ and who desire to integrate its core arguments and transdisciplinary methodology into their work. This is especially the case for younger researchers who seek guidance and mentorship in responding in a transdisciplinary way to the deepening ecological crisis and its anthropological roots, and in connecting research to policy and practice.
A response
There is a need to connect researchers in integral ecology globally. The Network for Integral Ecology seeks to respond to that need by creating a global academic community that will connect researchers to exchange, dialogue and work collaboratively, in partnership with social and policy actors from all spheres of society (including NGOs, social movements, businesses, inter-governmental institutions, state institutions, artists, community-based organizations, faith communities).
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The Network is an initiative of the British Province of the Society of Jesus, inspired by the Society’s Apostolic Preferences. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition and its research methodology of listening to those whose voice has been silenced, discerning in common how to respond, and acting collaboratively, the Network will be inclusive of all members, of all faiths and none, who are drawn to such methodology.
The Network’s intended and initial target audience is postgraduate research students and early career researchers, who will connect with more senior researchers, professionals, and influential individuals in the policy sphere. The reason for such initial focus is that they have been the age group, which shows the greatest interest in integral ecology, is the most existentially affected by the current ecological crisis, and which has the greatest potential for leading on the socio-ecological transformation needed. As the Network evolves, the audience is expected to transcend this initial target group.
Foundational Concepts
Integral Ecology
- Inspired by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’.
- Integrates environmental, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of sustainability.
Transdisciplinarity
Combines diverse disciplines to address complex socio-ecological issues, integrating them across research, policy and practice in knowledge co-creation for sustainability research that is context-based, problem-oriented, goal-driven, and pluralistic.
Discernment
Reflective process inspired by Ignatian spirituality, guiding ethical and spiritual decision-making.