Anna Neumaier is a member of the Conceptualizing Agency, Religion and Digitalization (CARD) network

The CARD network is dedicated to developing a conceptual framework for understanding religion-related agency—the ability to act and be active agents—in the context of profound digitalization processes. The focus is on questions such as: To what extent can non-human entities (e.g., algorithms or AI systems) be attributed agency, and how are established religious practices, concepts of authority, and community changing in the digital space? 
CARD addresses the hitherto fragmented research landscape at the interface of religion, digital technology, and agency through an international, interdisciplinary discourse. It brings together perspectives from theology, religious studies, media and communication studies, human-computer interaction, computer science, philosophy, sociology, psychology, and Islamic and Jewish studies. The aim is to first bring together disciplinary knowledge in several phases, then to reflect on central religion-related topics—such as authority, community, identity, ritual, freedom, responsibility, and truth—in an interdisciplinary manner, and finally to develop a comprehensive framework concept on this basis.

The results of the network's work will be published in an English-language handbook. In addition, CARD will serve as the basis for a continuing international research group that will shape the next steps in this multifaceted field of research starting in 2028. Another central concern of the network is to strengthen the visibility of German-language research in this internationally relevant field. Anna Neumaier's participation in this internationally and disciplinarily diverse network underscores the relevance of religious studies perspectives in the discourse on religion and digitalization.

For more information on the project and its funding by the DFG, visit:
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/564002997