The Center for Religious Studies (CERES) is a Central Research Institution at Ruhr University Bochum. It is dedicated to interdisciplinary research on religion in history and the present day. Its focus is on how religions arise, change, and become socially effective – whether in texts and images, rituals, or the everyday lives of people around the world. Numerous large-scale research projects from various funding contexts are based at CERES or have been successfully carried out there, significantly shaping the institution's profile.
CERES offers both a bachelor's and a master's degree program in religious studies for students. During their studies, they learn to analyze religions beyond denominational perspectives and acquire sound methodological skills – a solid foundation for future careers in research, media, education, and cultural work.
In addition, CERES is actively involved in knowledge transfer: through cooperation with museums and other educational institutions, through continuing education for teachers, and through innovative formats such as student laboratories and digital offerings on YouTube and social media.
Thus, CERES sees itself not only as a place of research and teaching, but also as a bridge between science and the public – in the Ruhr region and far beyond.