A new lay initiative based at the Dominican Priory of St Albert the Great in Edinburgh, Scotland, and supported by the Province of England has begun. Named in honour of the Dominican friar and polymath who is also patron saint of natural scientists, the Albertus Institute aims to provide a forum for a well-conducted public debate in Scotland about science, religion and other intellectual disciplines.

The Institute's first day colloquium on 17 November 2012 will look at Science and Religion, and it will be held in the School of Divinity of the University of Edinburgh, followed by a reception in the Dominican priory. Attendance is free although donations are welcome, and online registration is requested. 

Among the papers to be delivered are 'Science and Divine Action: a continuing issue or a problem solved?', and 'Leaps of Faith in Religion and Science: doubting Thomas and the discovery of the Electron'. A Dominican friar of the English Province, fr. Peter Hunter OP will also deliver a paper on 'St Albert the Great - Scientist'.