The European Society for the Study of Science and Theology has awarded its biannual ESSSAT Research Prize to Aku Visala for his philosophical analysis of cognitive theories of religion, “Religion Explained?” (his doctoral thesis at the University of Helsinki).
As ESSSAT explains its decision:

Cognitive theories of religion draw on the analysis of our evolved cognitive faculties in order to understand religion. The jury found that Visala deals with a major current development of substantial complexity. His writing displays a strong grasp of relevant literature, also from neighboring fields. The work engages the issues in a mature way, coming up with well considered criticisms of others and an analysis of his own. Last but not least, the work is well written and focused.

The prize will be presented to Visala, now a visiting fellow at the Centre for Anthropology and Mind at the University of Oxford, at the 13th European Conference on Science and Theology in Edinburgh from April 7 to 11.