Alison Habens

Alison Habens is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead in Creative Writing at the University of Portsmouth, within the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries and the School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies. She leads undergraduate programs including BA (Hons) Creative Writing, BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing, and BA (Hons) Film Studies and Creative Writing, and contributes to the MA Creative Writing program. She is the Academic Lead (Communication) alongside Ian Tapster and actively supervises PhD students.

Her research centers on the origins of creative ideas, particularly through the lens of divine inspiration and classical muses, stemming from her PhD on 'divine inspiration' in literature. She explores the civic and psychological impact of writing, including narrative therapy, dementia care, and community wellbeing. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially in education and civic engagement.

Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on myth, muse theory, reinterpretations of Alice in Wonderland, and fairy tales for adult audiences. She leads the Portsmouth Writers Hub, a community interest company fostering inclusive writing projects on social and environmental issues. She has received the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence (2023) and serves as an External Examiner at Kingston University and the University of Westminster.

• PhD in English Literature and Creative Writing, University of Portsmouth (2010)
• Senior Lecturer since 1994, instrumental in expanding creative writing programs
• Active researcher with 19 outputs and 7 completed or ongoing projects

She has supervised multiple PhD theses and mentors emerging writers through community initiatives. Her work bridges academic research, creative practice, and public engagement, emphasizing accessibility and the transformative power of storytelling.

• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence (2023)