David Clarke

Dr David Clarke is an Associate Professor at Sheffield Hallam University’s Sheffield Cultural Industries Institute (SCII), affiliated with the Department of Media Arts and Communication. He specializes in contemporary legend and folklore, combining these interests with teaching investigative journalism and media law. As co-founder of the Centre for Contemporary Legend (CCL) and Project Lead for the UKRI AHRC-funded National Folklore Survey for England, his research explores legends, supernatural folklore, and archival investigations. He represents Europe on the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research (ISCLR) and advises The National Archives and BBC on folklore-related projects.

His academic roles include supervising PhD candidates (currently two active) and directing studies for three completed theses. He teaches modules on media law, investigative journalism, and dissertation guidance for journalism and PR students. Clarke’s research extends to UFO studies, evidenced by his books like How UFOs Conquered the World (2015) and roles in projects analyzing MoD/UFO archives. His work bridges folklore studies with modern media, addressing topics like post-Brexit cultural identity through the National Folklore Survey.

Notable projects include the AHRC-funded National Folklore Survey (2024) examining England’s multicultural folklore, and collaborations with institutions like the Folklore Society and Sensoria Festival. His media contributions include BBC History Magazine features and podcast appearances discussing folklore’s modern relevance. Clarke’s interdisciplinary approach integrates academic research with public engagement, emphasizing folklore’s role in societal resilience and cultural heritage.