The Institute of Jainology (IoJ) was founded in 1986 to provide an international voice for the Jain faith and Jain communities. Today, under the banner OneJAIN, it represents Jain communities across the UK and Europe, numbering approximately 65,000 people.
The Institute works closely with government bodies, universities, museums, faith institutions, and cultural organisations in the UK and internationally and represents the Jain tradition at major national and global forums. Recent examples of this work include the restitution of over 2,000 ancient Jain manuscripts held at the Wellcome Collection in London, contributions to the Ancient India exhibition at the British Museum, and the establishment of the Dharmanath Chair in Jain Studies at the University of Birmingham.
The Institute seeks to situate Jain traditions within global intellectual and ethical debates rather than confining them to a narrowly diasporic framework. A distinctive emphasis of this work is on Jainism as a lived ethical tradition, particularly its contributions to discussions on non-violence (ahimsa), tolerance, diversity, environmental responsibility and responsible consumerism.
Alongside this wider work, the Institute actively supports education, research, curriculum engagement, interfaith dialogue and public understanding of Jain philosophy, ethics, culture, and heritage. The Institute is a member of the Religious Education Council and contributes to national conversations relating to Religious Education, faith literacy, curriculum development, and the representation of Dharmic traditions within education.
Contributions to RE
The Institute of Jainology contributes to Religious Education in several ways:
• Publication of educational resources suitable for schools, including Discover Jainism and Jain Tales.
• Development of online learning resources, including www.learnjainism.org, which provides accessible information, classroom materials and guidance for teachers and learners.
• Development of www.jainpedia.org, a globally recognised digital resource providing high-quality educational content, images, manuscripts, articles and glossaries relating to Jainism.
• Support for schools, teachers and educational organisations seeking accurate information and guidance on Jain beliefs, practices, philosophy, ethics and lived experience.
• Contributions to curriculum development discussions and national Religious Education initiatives through participation in professional and educational networks.
• Delivery of lectures, presentations, workshops and educational programmes for schools, universities, teacher training providers and community organisations.
• Support for teacher confidence and subject knowledge development through educational resources, consultation and engagement with curriculum projects.
• Collaboration with universities, researchers and educational bodies to promote scholarship and understanding of Jain traditions.
• Provision of speakers for school assemblies, conferences, and educational events on request.
• Development of educational materials and initiatives that promote interfaith understanding, ethical reflection, non-violence, environmental responsibility, and global citizenship.