Building on its longstanding tradition as a witness within the University of Paris since it was built in the thirteenth century, the Collège des Bernardins has established a research center open to all the debates of our contemporary society.

It is built around six departments which are dedicated to reflection. Academics, practitioners and theologians consider  issues regarding the future of mankind and share the results of their work at conferences and roundtables recorded on our research blog and on the website.

In each department, research is conducted through interdisciplinary seminars lasting two years. Its purpose is to screen the different aspects of a specific issue and their meaning for humanity.

In this respect, the research center is developing partnerships with academics and other research and training institutions in France and abroad, such as the Universities of Paris X, Paris XII, University of Luxembourg, Ecole des Mines de Paris, the Institut Universitaire de Paris Elie Wiesel, Confrontations Europe, Yahad-in Unum, the FEHAP, etc.. The research is rounded off with a conference which results in a publication enabling us to share the fruits of this research.

The concluding work is conducted according to the usual criteria of scientific objectivity with due respect to personal convictions.

DEPARTMENT OF "HUMAN SOCIETIES AND EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES "

Gemma Serrano, theologian, and P. Richard Escudier.

The research field of this department covers the areas of family and education, and the wider issues related to transmission and authority.

DEPARTMENT OF "ECONOMY, MAN AND SOCIETY"

P. Baudoin Roger, theologian, and Olivier Favereau economist.
This department focuses on issues related to the economy, businesses, social matters and sustainable development.

DEPARTMENT OF "BIOMEDICAL ETHICS"

P. Brice de Malherbe, theologian, and Mr. Dominique Folscheid, philosopher.
This department monitors the anthropological, ethical and spiritual challenges of aspects of medical research and their implications for the future of individuals and society.

DEPARTMENT OF "SOCIETY, FREEDOM, PEACE"

P. Antoine de Romanet, theologian, and Mr. Antoine Arjakovsky, historian.
At the crossroads of political science and theology, the department seeks to promote ethical and spiritual governance alternatives for the creation of peace and the future of democracy.

DEPARTMENT OF "JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY"

P. Thierry Vernet, theologian, and Mr. Franklin Rausky psychologist.
The department is fueling an effective dialogue at research level between Jewish and Christian students on the key anthropological and religious issues of our time.

DEPARTMENT OF "THE LANGUAGE OF ART"

Jérôme Alexandre, theologian, and Alain Cugno, philosopher.
Art is a sensitive language. This research department is addressing issues around artistic expression and the artists themselves relating to their deep relationships with humanity and with the expression of faith.

RESEARCH CHAIR 

The Chair des Bernardins is held for one to two years by a world- recognized personality who bases part of his research here.
Following René Girard, Marcel Gauchet and Andrea Riccardi, holders of the Chair in 2015-2017 are Milad Doueihi, historian of religions, philosopher and holder of the digital humanism COMUE Chair at the Sorbonne University and Jacques-François Merchandise, Director of Research and Forecasting of the FING.