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Intercultural Understanding

Improving social cohesion through cross-cultural research.
  • A woman in the foreground does a traditional Chinese dance as two women in the background attempt to emulate.

    Pioneering language-learning and religious understanding

    Intercultural understanding improves the policies, structures, and dispositions that help us to live well together, celebrate diversity and learn from each other. Through studying literature, history, music, art, philosophy and theology, our research contributes to cross-cultural understanding, empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Ultimately, we want a more inclusive society and culture, where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

    As part of that goal, our research is pioneering powerful computer models that will make language-learning easier for everyone, and we're exploring how cultural values shape people's engagement with stories to help improve life-saving healthcare advice to diverse communities.

  • Men sitting around a table and smiling in a busy room.

    For many people, religion is a central part of their cultural identity. So understanding religious belief and practice is key to promoting good relations between and within communities.

    The Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion works to enhance the public understanding of religion regionally, nationally and internationally. It collaborates with faith communities and policymakers to develop informed agendas for social transformation, and delivers innovative, impact-driven, and internationally excellent programmes exploring the significance of religious belief and practice for public and professional life.

Connecting the diverse cultures of our cities fosters social inclusion, shared ownership, and a shared sense of belonging.

Professor Katherine E Brown
Professor of Religion, Gender and Global Security

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