ASREC 2027

George Mason University

Arlington, VA

March 5-6, 2027

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CALL FOR PAPERS

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ASREC

ASREC invites submissions for its 2027 annual conference, bringing together scholars from across the social sciences to share new research, exchange ideas, and explore the connections between religion, economics, and culture.

The Program Chair and selection committee welcome original research exploring religion and culture from across the social sciences. We particularly encourage research that offers new perspectives on the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of religion and brings together ideas or methods from different disciplines.

Fields of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Economics
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Anthropology

We welcome theoretical, empirical, historical, and interdisciplinary research.

Keynote Speaker

Robert J. Barro

Paul M. Warburg Professor of Economics, Harvard University

Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University

Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research

Professor Barro has written extensively on macroeconomics and economic growth. His recent research includes religion and the economy, rare macroeconomic disasters, corporate tax reform, economic growth, public debt, and budget deficits. He is coauthor, with Rachel M. McCleary, of The Wealth of Religions: The Political Economy of Believing and Belonging.

Full papers only. Abstracts and Work-in-progress submissions will not be accepted.

Authors may submit more than one paper. Notifications will be sent by the end of December.

Presenters are encouraged to attend both days of the conference.

Introduction to the Economics of Religion

ASREC Graduate Workshop in the Economics of Religion

March 4-6, 2027

Join a select group of graduate students for a one-day workshop focused on the interdisciplinary study of the economics of religion.

• Learn from leading scholars in the field
• Explore current research in the economics of religion
• Connect with other graduate students and established scholars
• Attend the annual ASREC Conference

Following the workshop, participants will attend the ASREC conference, with opportunities to engage with current research, participate in Q&A sessions, and connect with scholars through meals, receptions, and social events.

FACULTY LEADERS

• Daniel Hungerman - University of Notre Dame
• Avital Livny - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Jared Rubin - Chapman University
• Jonathan Schulz - George Mason University

TRAVEL SUPPORT

We will provide hotel accommodations and group meals during the workshop. Honoraria will be provided to all accepted participants to help cover the cost of economy-class airfare and ground transportation. Travel reimbursements will be available for students whose visa status does not permit them to accept honoraria.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

NOVEMBER 20, 2026

**CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION**

Applications should include:

• CV
• Brief statement explaining your interest in the workshop

Applicants will be notified by the end of December.

We are excited to announce that the Institute for the Study of Religion, Economics and Society (IRES) is now accepting applications for its Annual Graduate Student Workshop taking place at Chapman University in Orange, CA. This engaging workshop is primarily tailored for advanced students in economics, sociology, and political science, though we enthusiastically welcome proposals from scholars across all disciplines.

Over the course of two dynamic days, participants will engage in intensive instruction, lively interactions, and valuable feedback opportunities with a select group of advanced graduate students. Each participant will be required to submit a completed paper in advance, which will be thoroughly circulated and reviewed. Our sessions will emphasize both presentations and discussions, allowing faculty and fellow students to provide constructive and detailed feedback on each paper.

**APPLICATION PROCESS**

To apply, please submit a one-page summary along with your CV. The summary should include your name, university affiliation, email, graduate advisor, and a brief 300-500 word description of your work. Applications must be submitted by clicking HERE no later than April 17, 2026. Please include a draft of your paper in the proposal if one is available, even if it is not complete. We will strongly favor submissions that include a paper.

**ACCOMMODATIONS & FUNDING**

IRES will provide funding to cover expenses for an economy flight, hotel, and group meals during the workshop. Federal regulations prohibit payment of honoraria to F-1 students and individuals on certain other visa types. Depending on your situation and status, travel grants, reimbursements, and other funding options may be available.

**FACULTY PARTICIPANTS**

• Guillaume Blanc (Simon Fraser University)
• Asli Cansunar (University of Washington)
• Larry Iannaccone (Chapman University)
• Mohammad Isaqzadeh (Chapman University)
• Avital Livny (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign)
• Erik Kimbrough (Chapman University)
• Michael McBride (University of California, Irvine)
• Steve Pfaff (Chapman University)
• Hannah Ridge (Chapman University)
• Jared Rubin (Chapman University)
• Benjamin Tremblay-Auger (Chapman University)
• Carolyn Warner (University of Nevada, Reno)

Generously Sponsored by THE INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF RELIGION, ECONOMICS & SOCIETY, THE JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION and the TEMPLETON RELIGION TRUST