The department organised an international seminar on the theme “Science and Religion” with the objective of fostering meaningful dialogue between scientific inquiry, ethical reflection, spirituality, and contemporary technological advancements. The seminar aimed to encourage students and faculty members to critically engage with the intersections between scientific progress, environmental responsibility, human values, and religious perspectives in the modern world.

The seminar provided an intellectual platform for understanding how science and religion, often viewed as opposing domains, can contribute collaboratively to human welfare, environmental sustainability, and ethical development.

The first resource person, Dr. Don Xavier N. D., delivered an insightful and thought-provoking session on the relationship between scientific understanding and religious thought. Dr. Xavier is an accomplished academician and researcher with more than five years of teaching and research experience in marine environmental science. He completed his Ph.D. from Cochin University of Science and Technology in 2021 and has contributed extensively to the field through his research on seawater quality criteria and the toxicity effects of heavy metals and pesticides on marine organisms.

During his presentation, Dr. Xavier explained how scientific research and spiritual

understanding need not exist in conflict. Drawing from his experience in environmental

science, he reflected on humanity’s responsibility toward nature and the ethical dimensions of scientific advancement. He emphasised that religion often provides moral guidance and values, while science offers empirical methods for understanding the natural world.

The second resource person, Mr. Akhil Joy Thomas, presented a session Religion as an

identity- focusing on the intersection of scientific innovation and human identity. Akhil Joy

Thomas is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Edinburgh Napier University, where his research

examines shark telemetry time-series data to understand behavioural patterns, habitat use, and evidence-based conservation strategies.

In his session, he introduced participants to the concept of “Green AI,” which advocates

computationally efficient and environmentally responsible technological practices. He

explained how artificial intelligence can support ecological conservation while also raising

ethical questions regarding sustainability, resource consumption, and responsible innovation. Through practical examples from marine ecology research, he demonstrated how advanced computing technologies can contribute positively to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.