Advancing Knowledge Across Traditions
MIT's research spans four interconnected domains, each led by distinguished scholars and supported by dedicated research teams. Our work bridges textual analysis, philosophical inquiry, and ethnographic fieldwork.
Catholic Studies
Systematic investigation of Catholic intellectual tradition spanning two millennia — from Patristic theology and Scholastic philosophy to contemporary moral theology and Vatican II reforms. Our researchers engage with primary sources in Latin, Greek, and modern European languages.
Buddhist Studies
In-depth investigation of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions. Research encompasses textual analysis of Pali and Sanskrit canons, philosophical inquiry into dependent origination and emptiness, and ethnographic study of living Buddhist communities across Asia.
Taoist Studies
Exploration of both philosophical and religious Taoism, from the classical texts of Laozi and Zhuangzi to the ritual traditions of the Celestial Masters and Complete Perfection lineages. Our work connects textual scholarship with fieldwork in living Taoist communities.
Comparative Theology
Cross-traditional analysis examining shared themes — suffering, salvation, cosmology, ethics — across religious boundaries. This domain synthesises perspectives from our three core traditions and extends inquiry to Islam, Hinduism, and indigenous spiritualities.