David Stack

Professor David Stack is a faculty member at the University of Reading, holding the position of Professor in the School of Humanities. He serves as Founding Co-Director of the Centre for Health Humanities and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research focuses on 19th and early 20th century intellectual history, particularly the history of the left (Chartism, radicalism), John Stuart Mill, and the history of science (phrenology, Darwinism, eugenics). His work emphasizes contextualizing ideas within their historical moments to understand their modern relevance.

Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses on 19th-century thought and postgraduate modules on nature vs. nurture debates. He supervises PhD students on topics like transgender identities, eugenics history, and facial disfigurement in WWI veterans. Awards include British Academy and Wellcome Trust fellowships, and he contributes to public engagement through media appearances (BBC, Open University) and collaborations with institutions like the Natural History Museum.

Key achievements include interdisciplinary teaching innovations, leadership in widening access to higher education (Reading Scholars program), and steering roles in History UK and university initiatives. His publications span academic journals and edited volumes, reflecting his commitment to bridging humanities and sciences.