Roger Luckhurst

Roger Luckhurst is Professor of Modern Literature and currently holds the prestigious Geoffrey Tillotson Chair of Nineteenth Century Studies at Birkbeck College, University of London. A leading scholar in Gothic literature, science fiction, and trauma studies, he has been affiliated with Birkbeck for over 25 years, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary literary and cultural studies.

Education and Career Trajectory:

• 2020-present: Geoffrey Tillotson Chair of Nineteenth Century Studies, Birkbeck College
• 2008-2020: Professor of Modern and Contemporary Literature, Birkbeck College
• 2004-2008: Senior Lecturer, Birkbeck College
• 1994-2004: Lecturer, Birkbeck College
• 1992-1994: Lecturer, University of Hull

Research Interests and Scholarly Contributions:

Luckhurst's research spans multiple interconnected fields, establishing him as a preeminent voice in literary and cultural studies. His work on late 19th century English literature examines the intersections of Victorian culture with emerging scientific discourses. His expertise in science fiction studies encompasses both literary analysis and cultural theory, exploring how speculative fiction reflects and shapes contemporary anxieties. In Gothic studies, he investigates the persistence of Gothic aesthetics and themes across different media and historical periods. His groundbreaking work in trauma studies has contributed significantly to understanding how literature and culture process collective trauma.

Publications and Scholarly Impact:

His extensive publication record demonstrates a remarkable breadth of scholarly inquiry. From his early work on J.G. Ballard to his recent comprehensive study of Gothic culture, Luckhurst has consistently produced influential scholarship. His books have been translated into multiple languages including French, Japanese, Turkish, and German, indicating significant international impact. His forthcoming The Gothic: An Illustrated History (2021) promises to be a definitive work in the field.

Honors and Awards:

• 2009: Visiting Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
• 2009: Visiting Research Fellow, Flemish Academic Centre for Science and the Arts (VLAC), Brussels
• January-June 2011: AHRC Fellowship, Birkbeck College
• Spring 2016: Mellon Distinguished Visiting Professor, Department of English, Columbia University, New York

Public Engagement and Media Presence:

Beyond academia, Luckhurst has demonstrated exceptional commitment to public scholarship. He has served as a broadcaster for BBC radio, bringing literary criticism to wider audiences. His journalism has appeared in leading British newspapers, bridging the gap between academic research and public discourse. This dual role as academic and public intellectual exemplifies Birkbeck's tradition of making scholarship accessible to broader communities.

Interdisciplinary Approach and Institutional Contributions:

At Birkbeck College, Luckhurst has been instrumental in fostering the institution's renowned culture of interdisciplinary studies. His work seamlessly integrates literary analysis with cultural theory, film studies, architectural history, and scientific discourse. This approach has influenced generations of students and scholars, establishing Birkbeck as a leading center for innovative literary and cultural research.