Research Interests
- Religion and spirituality in global health
- Spirituality and secularism in multilateral Organisations
- Digitalisation and Spiritual Care
Projects
2022- Spirituality and Health in the United Nations: Global Norms and Local Practices (Swiss National Science Foundation) More
2020- URPP Digital Religion(s), University of Zürich
- Digital Spiritual Care More
- Telechaplaincy Community of Practice More
- MEEET: The Media Existential Encounters and Evolving Technology Lab More
- Digital Society Initiative Minor in "Digital Skills" More
2018-2020 The Integration of Spiritual Aspects into the WHO Health Policy since 1984. Historical Investigations in view of the Foundations of Interprofessional Spiritual Care (Swiss National Science Foundation) More
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World Health Organization Faith Network More
Curriculum Vitae
Experience
2025- Innovation Ambassador, UZH Innovation Hub
2025- Member of governance board and project lead (Cluster A: Emerging Technologies), URPP Digital Religion(s)
2024- Co-Principal Investigator, "Digital Spiritual Care", URPP Digital Religion(s), University of Zürich.
2022- Senior Research Fellow, Professorship for Spiritual Care, University of Zürich.
2018-2021 Postdoctoral Fellow, Professorship for Spiritual Care, University of Zürich.
2018 Research Fellow, Yale Center for Cultural Sociology.
Education
2024 Dipl. Complementary Therapist with industry certificate (OdA-KT), HPS Lucerne
2018 Ph.D. Medical Anthropology, Hong Kong University
2013 M.Sc. Medical Anthropology, Oxford University.
2011 Bachelor in Sociology and Media & Communication with Honours, University of Canterbury (Christchurch, New Zealand)
2009 NZ Diploma in Business, CPIT (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Scientific Publications
Grabenweger, R., Sitefane, S., Winiger, F., Afonso, A., Prinds, C., Rabiais, I., v, S., & Paal, P. (Accepted). Availability, Usability, and Commercialization of Digital Spiritual Care Educational Resources for Healthcare Professionals: An Exploratory Scoping Review. Journal of Health and Social Care Chaplaincy.
Winiger, F., Schneider, J., Peng-Keller, S. (Accepted). Acceptance of Digital Spiritual Care - Results from a Mixed-Methods Study in Switzerland. Journal of Health & Social Care Chaplaincy. (Open Access)
Winiger, F., Schneider, G., Goldzycher, J., Neuhold, D., & Peng-Keller, S. (2025). The ‘Spiritual’ and the ‘Religious’ in the Twittersphere: A Topic Model and Semantic Map. Journal of Religion, Media and Digital Culturehttps://doi.org/10.1163/21659214-bja10123 (Open Access)
Peng-Keller, S., Balboni, M., Balboni, T., Haussmann, A., Haythorn, T., Mösli, P., Neuhold, D., Nuzum, D. R., Smeets, W., Swift, C., Swinton, J., Roser, T., Vandenhoeck, A., & Winiger, F. (2025). Spiritual Care at the Crossroads: An Ecumenical White Paper on the Future of Christian Healthcare Chaplaincy. Journal of Religion and Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-025-02255-0
Goodwin, E., & Winiger, F. (2024). Integrating ‘Faith’ into MHPSS: Report of an International Conference on ‘Faith-Sensitive’ Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Spiritual Care in Humanitarian Contexts (18.–19. September 2024). Spiritual Care. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2024-0047
Winiger, F. (Accepted). Thinking Faith Engagement Beyond 'Faith': The Spiritual Dimension in the World Health Organization. Journal of Religion and Development.
Peng-Keller, S., Winiger, F. (Accepted). Digitale Spiritual Care. In: E. Frick et al., Spiritualität und Medizin (new edition).
Winiger, F. (2024). Digitalisierung klinischer Spiritual Care im Spitalnetzwerk Baylor, Scott & White Health. Spiritual Care. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2024-0023
Winiger, F. (2024). Verschläft die klinische Seelsorge die Digitalisierung des Gesundheitswesens? Eine kritische Betrachtung aktueller Entwicklungen in Europa und den U.S.A. Zeitschrift Für Pastoraltheologie, 44(1), 179–192. https://www.uni-muenster.de/... (Open Access)
Peng-Keller, S., Schneider, J., Winiger, F., & Neuhold, D. (2024). Empirische Grundlagen zur Weiterentwicklung klinischer Seelsorge. Ergebnisse einer repräsentativen Bevölkerungsumfrage in der Schweiz. Spiritual Care. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2023-0068 (Open Access)
Peng-Keller, S., & Winiger, F. (2024). Digitale Spiritual Care: Ergebnisse eine Umfrage unter klinischen Seelsorgenden in der Schweiz. Praktische Theologie, 59(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.14315/prth-2024-590106
Winiger, F., & Sprik, P. (2023). Navigating Challenges in Telechaplaincy: A Thematic Analysis of an International Conference. Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy, 0(0), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/08854726.2023.2294680 (Open Access)
Winiger, F., & Goodwin, E. (2023). “Faith-Sensitive” Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Pluralistic Settings: A Spiritual Care Perspective. Religions, 14(10), 1321. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14101321(Open Access)
Peng-Keller, S., & Winiger, F. (2023). „In meiner innersten Kammer begegnet mir Gott jeden Tag.“ Ein Gespräch mit Hans van der Geest. Spiritual Care. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2023-0019
Haußmann, A., Peng-Keller, S., Neuhold, D., & Winiger, F. (2023). Digitalisierte Spiritual Care und Seelsorge. Spiritual Care. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2023-0012
Haußmann, A. Neuhold, D. Peng-Keller, S., Winiger, F., eds. (2023). Digitalisierte Spiritual Care und Seelsorge. Special Issue in Spiritual Care 12(2). https://www.degruyter.com/journal/key/spircare/12/2/html
Winiger, F. (2023). Spiritual Care im „Virtuellen Spital“: Ein Gespräch mit zwei Teleseelsorgern. Spiritual Care. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2022-0019 (Open Access)
Winiger, F., & Neuhold, D. (2023). Zum Zwist mit dem Zeitgeist: Ein Rückblick mit zwei Pionieren der europäischen Teleseelsorge. Spiritual Care. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2022-0021
Winiger, F. (2023). The changing face of spiritual care: Current developments in telechaplaincy. Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy, 29(1), 114–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/08854726.2022.2040895 (Open Access)
Winiger, F., & Neuhold, D. (2022). Spiritual Care on the go?: Ein Gespräch mit Achim Blackstein zur digitalen Teilhabe und -gabe im Alltag. Spiritual Care. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2022-0052(Open Access)
Peng-Keller, S., Winiger, F., & Rauch, R. (2022). The Spirit of Global Health: The World Health Organization and the “Spiritual Dimension” of Health, 1946-2021. Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/... (Open Access)
Winiger, F., & Peng-Keller, S. (2021). Religion and the World Health Organization: An evolving relationship. BMJ Global Health, 6(4), e004073. https://doi.org/10/gkd2nn(Open Access)
Roser, T., Peng-Keller, S., Kammerer, T., Karle, I., Lammer, K., Frick, E., & Winiger, F. (25 March 2020). The Corona Pandemic as a Challenge for Spiritual Care—Advice for Pastors (joint statement, available in English - German - French - Italian - Spanish).
Winiger, F. (2020). “More than an intensive care phenomenon”: Religious communities and the WHO Guidelines for Ebola and Covid-19: „Mehr als ein Phänomen der Intensivpflege“: Religiöse Gemeinschaften und die WHO Richtlinien für Ebola und Covid-19. Spiritual Care, 9(3), 245–255. https://doi.org/10/gg8qhd(Open Access)
Winiger, F. (2020). The Chief Fallacy: A Commentary on Hostility to Hospitality: Zum Irrtum der ‚Hauptliebe‘: Ein Kommentar zu Hostility to Hospitality. Spiritual Care, 9(2), 109–113. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2019-0093
Iskra, A., Winiger, F., & Palmer, D. A. (2020). Remaking the Self: Spirituality, Civilization, the Chinese Quest to “Live Well” in the Reform-Era. In S. Feuchtwang (Ed.), Handbook on Religion in China (pp. 54–74). Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd,.
Winiger, F., & Neuhold, D. (2020). Michael J. Balboni/Tracy A. Balboni, Hostility to Hospitality. Spirituality and Professional Socialization in Medicine (review). Schweizerischen Zeitschrift Für Religions- Und Kulturgeschichte, 114.
Palmer, D. A., & Winiger, F. (2019). Neo-socialist governmentality: Managing freedom in the People’s Republic of China. Economy and Society, 48(4), 554–578. https://doi.org/10/ggdv6g
Palmer, D. A., & Winiger, F. (2019). Secularization, Sacralization and Subject Formation in Modern China. In The Secular in South, East, and Southeast Asia (pp. 83–105). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89369-3_5
Winiger, F. (2019). Who Cares? Health, Religion, and “Spiritual Care” in the People’s Republic of China. In S. Peng-Keller & D. Neuhold (Eds.), Spiritual Care im globalisierten Gesundheitswesen: Historische Hintergründe und aktuelle Entwicklungen (pp. 251–276). Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft.
Winiger, F. (2018). Qigong in Three Social Worlds: National Treasure, Social Signifier, or Breathing Exercise? In C. Brosnan, P. Vuolanto, & J.-A. B. Danell (Eds.), Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Knowledge Production and Social Transformation (pp. 85–110). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73939-7_4
Winiger, F. (2017). “When the spirit cannot feel the body”: Overcoming Cartesian mind-body dualism with qigong practice. Sciences and Techniques of Sports and Physical Activities (STAPS), 3, 113–142.
Knowledge Exchange
Event organisation
| 2025 |
Spiritualität im Kontext der Schweizer Gesundheitsversorgung von Geflüchteten und Asylsuchenden. [Interdisciplinary workshop co-organisation]. Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion, University of Zurich. |
| 2024 | Integrating ‘Faith’ into Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Humanitarian Contexts. [Conference co-organisation]. University of Zurich and Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities (JLI). |
| 2024 | Virtuous Reality: Sinnstiftende VR-Erfahrungen. [Workshop organisation]. MEEET-Lab (University of Zurich) and Kantonsschulen Hohe Promenade and Küsnacht, Zurich. |
| 2023 | Christian Healthcare Chaplaincy as Specialized Spiritual Care: Pathways and Models for the Future. [Co-organisation of working group, workshop and book project]. Professorship for Spiritual Care, University of Zurich. |
| 2023 | Digital Spiritual Care: Quo Vadis? (JPG, 1002 KB) [Conference co-organisation]. URPP Digital Religion(s)/Professorship for Spiritual Care, University of Zurich. |
| 2022 |
Spiritual Care for the 21st Century: An International Conference on the Theory and Practice of Telechaplaincy.[Conference organisation]. Spiritual Care at UZH and Transforming Chaplaincy Initiative. |
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2021 |
Chaplaincy: Critical and changing roles in COVID-19. [Conference organisation and panel moderation] Global conference on strengthening national responses to health emergencies . World Health Organizations & Religions for Peace. |
|
2020 |
The ‘Spiritual Dimension’ in Global Health [Co-organiser and -chair, interdisciplinary roundtable]. World Council of Churches, Geneva. |
Paper presentations and guest lectures
| 2025 |
VR Workshop zum Thema “Religiöse und religionsbezogene Bildung in einer Kultur der Digitalität” [Seminar]. Theologische und Religionswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Universität Zürich. |
| 2025 |
Digitale Formen von Seelsorge — Erfahrungen, Befürchtungen, Bewährtes. [Lecture]. Abteilung Spezialseelsorge Evangelisch-reformierte Landeskirche des Kantons Zürich. |
| 2025 |
Wer ist offen für digitale Seelsorge (und wer nicht)? Forschungsergebnisse zur Akzeptanz digitaler Seelsorge im Schweizer Gesundheitswesen. [Conference presentation]. Digitale Sorge für die Seele - Fachtag zu Anthropologie, Digitalisierung und Seelsorge, Zentrum für Seelsorge Evangelische Landeskirche Hannover/Universität Heidelberg. |
| 2025 |
Klinikseelsorge im digitalen Zeitalter: Einblicke in eine repräsentative Umfrage zur Akzeptanz digitaler Seelsorge im Kanton Zürich. [Conference presentation]. AG Digitale Seelsorge, Berufsverband Seelsorge im Gesundheitswesen (BSG). |
| 2025 |
Empirical Foundations for the Development of Spiritual Care: Results of a Representative Population Survey in the Canton of Zurich [Conference presentation]. Uniting Population Research Across Disciplines: Novel Approaches, Innovative Strategies, and Mutual Learning, Zurich Population Research Conference, University of Zurich. |
| 2024 |
Digitale Spiritual Care—Aktuelle Entwicklungen und Kritische Rückfragen [Research colloquium]. Abteilung für Praktische Theologie und Religionspädagogik, Universität Bonn. |
| 2024 |
Adapting Spiritual Care to the Digital Age—Insights from a Mixed-Methods Study on Digital Spiritual Care Interventions [Conference presentation]. Unlocking the Acceptance of Digital Health Interventions: Policy, Communication, and User Design Perspectives, Digital Society Initiative, University of Zurich. |
| 2024 |
Sinnsuche im virtuellen Raum. Einblicke ins MEEET-Lab [Conference presentation]. On-Life. Kommunikation des Evangeliums in der (Post-)Digitalität, Universität Zürich and Universität Bern. |
| 2024 |
Digitale ’Holy Spaces’ im Gesundheitswesen—Einblicke in die Forschung zur digitalisierung seelsorglicher Spiritual Care [Lecture]. Holy Spaces – Wie Spiritualität im Netz funktioniert, RefLab, Reformierte Kirche Zürich. |
| 2024 |
Clinical Spiritual Care and the Digitalization of Healthcare: A Critical Reflection on Current Developments [Keynote lecture]. Spiritual Care Interventions in Modern Health Care, European Conference on Religion, Spirituality and Health, Paracelsus Medical University. |
| 2023 |
With Peng-Keller, S. Seelsorge im Gesundheitswesen: Erfahrungen und Erwartungen. Ergebnisse einer repräsentativen Bevölkerungsumfrage in der Schweiz [Workshop presentation]. Institut für Sozialethik, Universität Zürich. |
| 2023 |
Digitalisierung und seelsorgliche Praxis im schweizerischen Gesundheitswesen: Eine Bestandesaufnahme [Conference presentation]. URPP Digital Religion(s), Universität Zürich. |
| 2023 |
Chapel, Shepherd, Staff: No more? Rethinking Pastoral Care Metaphors in the Virtual Hospital [Paper presentation]. 13th biennial conference of the International Society for Media, Religion and Culture, Center for Religious Studies (CERES). |
| 2023 |
The “Gospel of Health”, Then and Now: Historical Remarks on the ‘Spiritual Dimension’ of Health at the World Health Organization [Seminar presentation]. Wellcome Centre for the Cultures and Environments of Health, University of Exeter. |
| 2022 |
“Born in Dignity and Rights”: Zur (christlichen) Herkunft des Würdebegriffs im UN-Menschenrechtsdiskurs [Workshop presentation]. Institut für Sozialethik, Universität Zürich. |
| 2022 |
A History of Telechaplaincy—Towards the Digital Turn in Spiritual Care [Conference presentation]. Spiritual Care for the 21st Century: An International Conference on the Theory and Practice of Telechaplaincy. University of Zurich and Transforming Chaplaincy. |
| 2022 |
Religion at the World Health Organization—From the ‘Spiritual Dimension’ to ‘Faith Engagement’ [Conference presentation]. Religious Engagement in Global Affairs. Faculty of Theology, University of Geneve and European Academy on Religion and Society. |
| 2022 |
Religion and Global Health [Guest lecture]. Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Botswana and Research Programme on Religious Communities and Sustainable Development, HU Berlin. |
| 2022 |
Of Covenants, Polarisers and Cosmopietists: Global Health and the Post-Secular Turn in the United Nations. [Guest lecture]. World History Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences. |
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2021 |
Religion at the Temple of Health—The ‘Spiritual Dimension’ and the World Health Organization [Keynote address]. Research Programme on Religious Communities and Sustainable Development, HU Berlin. |
| 2021 |
Healthism, Colonialism and Neoliberal “Spirituality” in the WHO Discourse on Traditional Medicine [Conference presentation]. American Anthropological Association. |
| 2021 |
Buzzword or Way of the Future? On the Emergence of ’Telechaplaincy’ in Three Major U.S. Healthcare Systems [Paper presentation]. Joint Research Council, Transforming Chaplaincy Initiative. |
| 2021 |
Telechaplaincy: Forschungsergebnisse zu digitalen Formen seelsorglicher Spiritual Care [Conference presentation]. Kann man zu existenziellen Fragen zoomen, skypen, chatten? Chancen und Herausforderungen von Online-Kommunikation. Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin. |
| 2021 |
Spiritual Care and Digital Presence: On the Turn to Telechaplaincy During the Covid-19 Pandemic [Conference presentation]. Religious Engagement and the COVID Response, Leeds Centre for Religion and Public Life. |
|
2020 |
Through Thick And Thin: Semantic Abstraction And Contextualisation In The World Health Organization’s Discourse On “Traditional Medicine” [Conference presentation]. European Association of Science and Technology Studies. |
| 2020 |
WHO Guidelines for Ebola and Covid-19 [Guest lecture]. Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities. |
|
2019 |
Spiritual Care und die WHO Definition der Gesundheit [Conference presentation]. Third Swiss Conference on Spiritual Care. |
|
2018 |
A Century of Humiliation: Chinese Cultural Trauma after Mao [Conference presentation]. Spring Conference, Yale Center for Cultural Sociology. |
|
2017 |
Neo-Socialist Governmentality’ and the Genealogy of Chinese Socialist Spiritual Civilization, with David A. Palmer [Conference presentation]. National University of Singapore. |
Digital media
