AAAS-DoSER Funds Deep Science and Dark Mysteries Project at South Dakota Synod ELCA
April 11, 2025 – Sioux Falls, South Dakota – The South Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is proud to announce that the Deep Science and Dark Mysteries Project has been awarded a grant by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program as part of the Science Engagement for Congregational Flourishing Initiative. This initiative, funded with support from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Thriving Congregations Initiative, will bring together scientists and ELCA faith leaders to explore the profound questions at the intersection of cosmology, physics, and theology.
The South Dakota Synod will collaborate with the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), America’s Underground Lab, host to world-class research in physics, biology, geology, and engineering. Researchers at SURF explore cutting-edge physics in the hunt for dark matter and the study of neutrinos, search for extremophiles in the subterranean biosphere, advance the potential for new forms of geothermal energy trapped deep inside the earth, and replicate the reactions inside stars to better understand the elemental makeup of our universe.
“The mysteries of the universe have long captivated both scientists and theologians,” said Rev. Kari Webb, Director of Digital Community and Learning at the South Dakota Synod. “We hope that this project will cultivate pathways for thoughtful, open-ended dialogue about the universe’s most profound questions—questions that have inspired both scientific discovery and theological reflection for centuries.”
“Multidisciplinary dialogue is essential for SURF’s mission to advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations. The Deep Science and Dark Mysteries Project enhances SURF’s education and outreach goals by bringing communities of thought together in conversation,” said Deb Wolf, director of outreach and culture at SURF.
Each year SURF reaches 16-20,000 students across the state of South Dakota with hands-on learning opportunities that increase STEM literacy in society and inspire young people to take up careers in STEM fields. This collaboration is an extension of SURF’s ongoing effort to inspire learning across generations.
With support from AAAS DoSER, the Deep Science and Dark Mysteries Project will engage congregational leaders within the synod to experience firsthand the groundbreaking scientific discoveries at SURF. Through guided site visits, discussions with leading scientists, and immersive educational experiences, these leaders will explore how SURF’s science both challenges and enriches theological perspectives on the universe and humanity’s place within it.
In collaboration with SURF’s Outreach and Culture teams, participants will develop educational resources to be hosted on the South Dakota Synod’s digital learning platform, Pasque. These materials will serve clergy and congregational members of all ages. The project also aims to enhance SURF’s outreach capabilities by providing new content for engagement with community members who may perceive tensions between scientific inquiry and faith traditions.
Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Aaron Matson
Director of Communications
South Dakota Synod ELCA
amatson@sdsynod.org
About the South Dakota Synod
The South Dakota Synod is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), representing almost 200 congregations and worshiping communities and over 93,000 members. For more information, visit www.sdsynod.org.
About Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF)
Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is America’s Underground Lab. SURF is operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) with funding from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. SURF’s mission is to advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations. Visit SURF at www.sanfordlab.org.
About AAAS-DoSER
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals. The nonprofit is open to all and fulfills its mission to “advance science and serve society” through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement, and more. Building upon its mission, AAAS established the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program in 1995 to facilitate communication between scientific and religious communities. For the latest information and news about AAAS DoSER and the Science Engagement for Congregational Flourishing project, visit ScienceReligionDialogue.org, ScienceforSeminaries.org, and AAAS.org/DoSER.
