Professor Alison G. Salvesen (University of Oxford, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies) is a leading scholar in Early Judaism and Christianity, affiliated with the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies and Mansfield College. Her work bridges textual criticism, translation history, and reception studies. Current Projects: Hexapla Institute Executive Committee (electronic database of Origen's Old Testament), monograph on Jacob of Edessa (d. 708 CE) Teaching: Septuagint studies, Patristic texts, Textual criticism, Syriac literature Specializing in ancient Hebrew Bible interpretations, she examines Greek (Septuagint), Aramaic (Targums), Syriac (Peshitta), and Latin (Vulgate) traditions. Her research spans rabbinic Judaism and early Christian exegesis. Scientific leadership includes co-editing major reference works and directing the Polonsky Fellowship. Current DPhil students include Joel Bell, Yael Krämer, and Paul Ulishney. Key grants/awards: Polonsky Fellow in Early Judaism and Christianity
Professor Johannes Zachhuber holds a professorship in Historical and Systematic Theology at the University of Oxford's Faculty of Theology and Religion. His research focuses on modern and postmodern theology, the Continental tradition of philosophy of religion (Kant, Schleiermacher, Hegel), theology of late antiquity, 19th-century theology, religion and politics, and theories of secularization. He examines theological institutions' role in shaping modern discourse while addressing contemporary debates on secularity. His scholarly work bridges historical theology with systematic inquiry, analyzing figures like Schleiermacher, Gregory of Nyssa, and Baur. Recent publications include studies on early Christian cosmology, Schleiermacher’s theology, and Baur’s historicist approach. He critiques secularization narratives and explores patristic thought’s philosophical dimensions. Publications span monographs, edited volumes, and reviews, reflecting his interdisciplinary engagement with theology’s historical and philosophical foundations. He contributes to debates on theology’s role in modern academia and society, emphasizing the interplay between historical context and theological reflection.
Pui Him Ip is Assistant Professor and Director of Tutorial Programmes at The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity, and Research Associate at St Edmund's College, University of Cambridge. His research examines early Christian thought with specializations in Origen of Alexandria, patristic philosophy, scriptural hermeneutics, and the intersection of natural philosophy with theology during Late Antiquity. He investigates how early Christians integrated physics (natural philosophy) with spiritual formation through exegetical traditions. Ip's scholarship reconstructs historical theological developments while engaging with contemporary theological debates. His work consistently bridges patristic theology with modern discussions in science and religion.
Professor Alberto Rigolio is a scholar of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University, specializing in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Roman and Late Antique periods. He focuses on Syriac literature, Greco-Roman intellectual traditions, and the reception of classical texts in early Christian and Islamic contexts. Rigolio holds a D.Phil. from Oxford University and has held prestigious fellowships at Harvard, Princeton, and All Souls College, Oxford. He serves as Chair of the Board of Examiners at Durham and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research explores the transformation of classical dialogue forms in late antiquity, the transmission of Greek texts into Syriac and Arabic, and the cultural intersections between Greco-Roman, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Key works include Christians in Conversation (Oxford UP, 2019), which examines late antique dialogue literature, and a forthcoming book on the emergence of Syriac literature supported by British Academy and Princeton IAS fellowships. Education: BA/Milan, D.Phil./Oxford, Postdoctoral Fellowships at Harvard and Princeton Affiliations: Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Durham Rigolio's articles analyze Syriac translations of Aristotelian works, Plutarch, and Themistius, revealing how Greco-Roman thought was adapted to meet religious and cultural needs. His projects include studies on Syriac rhetoric, the Roman household in late antique conflicts, and para-biblical narratives. He supervises postdoctoral researchers and PhD students on topics ranging from Syriac literary culture to late antique religious identity. Awards: British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (2024), All Souls College Visiting Fellowship (2024) Grants: Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, American Philosophical Society He directs research labs examining Syriac intellectual culture and co-ordinates interdisciplinary projects on late antique translation movements. Rigolio is actively involved in public outreach, offering talks on Roman religion, Palmyrene military identity, and the Graeco-Syro-Arabic textual tradition.
Professor Alberto Rigolio is a leading scholar of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University, specializing in the cultural and intellectual history of the Eastern Mediterranean during the Roman and late antique periods. He holds a D.Phil. from Oxford University and has held prestigious fellowships at Harvard Dumbarton Oaks, Princeton Society of Fellows, and All Souls College Oxford. His research focuses on Syriac literature, Greco-Syro-Arabic translation movements, and religious debates in late antiquity. Rigolio has published extensively, including his award-winning monograph Christians in Conversation (2019), and currently leads projects supported by the British Academy and the Institute for Advanced Study. He supervises PhD students across multiple institutions and mentors postdoctoral researchers like Dr. Karl Heiner Dahm and Dr. Mara Nicosia. His work bridges classical antiquity with early Christian and Islamic intellectual traditions, emphasizing literary and educational exchanges in late antique societies. Educations: D.Phil., University of Oxford (2014) MPhil/BA, University of Milan and Oxford Research Interests: Syriac literary emergence, Greek-Syriac-Arabic translation networks, late antique dialogues, early Christian theology, and the cultural history of the Roman Near East. Rigolio's current projects investigate how Syriac became a major literary language and its role in transmitting Graeco-Roman thought to early medieval cultures. Grants & Awards: British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (2024) All Souls College Visiting Fellowship (2024) Princeton IAS Membership (2023) Advising & Mentoring: Supervised 9 PhD students, including Cédrik Michel (Lancaster University Lecturer) and Lila Knight (awarded 2024). Mentors postdoctoral scholars in areas like Syriac rhetoric and late antique religious conflict. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary research groups at Durham and collaborates with institutions like the Institute for Advanced Study, focusing on textual analysis and cultural history.
Ilaria L. E. Ramelli is a distinguished scholar specializing in ancient philosophy, early Christianity, and the intersection of Greek philosophical traditions with Christian theological development. She holds multiple prestigious academic appointments including Distinguished Professor at Angelicum (US) Graduate School, Senior Fellow at Princeton University, Fellow at Durham University, Honorary Member of Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Platonism, and has maintained a continuous affiliation with Sacred Heart University since 1998. Her educational background includes two MAs (Classics with Specialisation in Early Christianity and Philosophy with Historical Specialisation), a PhD in Classics and Early Christianity (2000), a further Doctorate (honoris causa), and a postdoctorate in Late Antiquity and Religion. She has also completed Habilitations to Full Professor / Ordinarius / W3 in History of Philosophy, Classics, and Ancient Greek Language and Literature. Her scholarly credentials are further enhanced by her status as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS). Professor Ramelli's research focuses on the intricate relationships between ancient Greek philosophical traditions (particularly Platonism and Neoplatonism) and early Christian thought. She specializes in figures such as Origen of Alexandria and Gregory of Nyssa, examining how philosophical concepts were transformed and integrated into theological frameworks. Her work consistently explores themes of dialectic methodology, metaphysical concepts, and the development of doctrinal formulations in early Christianity. She has demonstrated particular expertise in tracing the reception of Greek philosophical ideas within Patristic literature and examining how philosophical concepts were adapted to Christian theological contexts. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a sustained scholarly trajectory examining the relationship between ancient Greek dialectic methods and early Christian theological development. Her work consistently centers on how figures like Origen synthesized Greek philosophical traditions with Christian doctrine, particularly focusing on concepts like apokatastasis (universal restoration), the relationship between Father and Son, and the adaptation of philosophical methodology to theological exegesis. Her scholarship demonstrates remarkable breadth across philosophical schools while maintaining rigorous philological attention to textual evidence. Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS) Professor Ramelli has established herself as a leading authority in the field of ancient philosophy and Patristics through her extensive publication record (147 publications documented) and editorial work on significant scholarly volumes. Her research demonstrates sustained engagement with major philosophical questions through careful examination of primary sources across Greek, Latin, and early Christian traditions. She has contributed significantly to our understanding of how philosophical concepts migrated across intellectual traditions and how early Christian thinkers engaged critically with philosophical frameworks while developing their theological systems.
Dr Niamh Bhalla is an Associate Professor of Art History, Assistant Dean, and Director for Belonging at Northeastern University London since 2018. She previously held roles at The Courtauld Institute of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Her research bridges Early Christian/Byzantine art and architecture with their modern receptions, particularly in 19th-century British Isles architecture. She authored Experiencing the Last Judgement (2021) and Newman University Church, Dublin (2024), with a forthcoming Handbook to the Modern Reception of Byzantium . Education: PhD (History of Byzantine Art, The Courtauld Institute, 2014); MA (History of Classical/Byzantine Art, The Courtauld, 2010); BA (History of Art/Theology, Trinity College Dublin, 2009). Research Interests: Lived experience of Early Christian/Byzantine art, theological symbolism in architecture, and modern reinterpretations of Byzantine heritage. Her work integrates material culture, theology, and architectural historiography. Publications Trends: Focused on Byzantine and Early Christian art, architectural revivalism, and material analysis. Recent work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending art history with theology, archaeology, and cultural studies. Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD candidate Julie Teal on East of England doom paintings. No grants explicitly listed, but her strategic leadership in DEI initiatives suggests institutional grant engagement. Labs/Teams: No dedicated lab mentioned, but collaborates with institutions like the V&A and Courtauld.
Dr Alison John is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Classics at All Souls College, University of Oxford (since 2021). Her research focuses on the literary and social history of the late antique West, particularly Gaul and Italy, with a specialization in Greek-Latin bilingualism and classical education. Her monograph Learning and Power in Late Antique Gaul (Cambridge University Press, 2025) examines the role of classical schools in Gallo-Roman politics and society. Current projects explore Greek use in Italy and Gaul (AD 300–650). Education: BA (Honours) in Classics & Medieval Studies, University of Ottawa (2008–2012) MA in Classics, University of Toronto (2012–2014) PhD in Classics, University of Edinburgh (2014–2018) Research Interests: Late Antique cultural transformations, bilingualism, classical education decline, Gallo-Roman intellectual networks, and textual transmission. Recent work emphasizes Greek’s role in post-Roman literary circles. Publications: Over 7 peer-reviewed articles (2020–2025), focusing on bilingualism in late antique Gaul, classical education’s political role, and Sidonius Apollinaris’ literary networks. Recent trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches to cultural memory and textual analysis. Awards: Leverhulme SAS Fellowship (2020–2021) SSHRC Doctoral Award (2014–2018) Multiple university scholarships (Edinburgh, Toronto, Ottawa) Teaching & Engagement: Taught courses on Suetonius, late antique Latin literature, and classical bilingualism. Organized conferences on Greek-Latin puzzle poetry (2023) and late antique literary salons. Active in academic societies (Classical Association). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Gallia docta? research project (Tübingen) and Celtic Conference in Classics networks. Coordinates interdisciplinary workshops on late antique textual practices.
James Davila is a Professor of Early Jewish Studies at the School of Divinity, University of St Andrews, UK. His work focuses on ancient Jewish and Christian religious texts, with particular expertise in the Dead Sea Scrolls, Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, and late antique theological developments. Research Focus: Interdisciplinary studies of Second Temple literature Specialization: Merkavah mysticism, scriptural exegesis, and ritual studies His research bridges the Jewish and Christian scriptural traditions, examining how ancient texts like 4 Ezra and Hekhalot literature influenced early religious thought. Current projects include analysis of ritual practices in gnostic and mystical traditions. Selected publications highlight his contributions to understanding non-canonical scriptures (2013-2014), including critical editions and studies of ritual frameworks in ancient Jewish mysticism. Professional Networks: Society of Biblical Literature, British New Testament Association Academic Leadership: Principal Investigator for British Academy and Leverhulme Trust projects Contact: jrd4@st-andrews.ac.uk
Richard Flower is Professor of Classics and Late Antiquity at the University of Exeter, specializing in political discourse and knowledge formation during the Roman, late Roman and early medieval periods. He earned his BA, MPhil and PhD from Clare College, Cambridge. His research examines the role of invective and abuse in political culture, and the formation of authoritative knowledge in late antiquity, including early Christian writings. Current work focuses on the development of heresiology within classical traditions of knowledge organization, culminating in the forthcoming monograph The Authorised Version of Heresy . Flower leads the international project 'Connecting Late Antiquities' (2023-2025), funded by AHRC-DFG, which digitizes and links prosopographical materials for late antiquity. He edited the Cambridge Companion to Christian Heresy (2025) and co-edited Rhetoric and Religious Identity in Late Antiquity (2020). He mentors undergraduate and graduate students in late antique topics and hosts the podcast series The Distant Pasts featuring scholarly discussions on the ancient world.
Sarah Parkhouse is a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Religions & Theology at the University of Manchester's School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. Her research centers on the ancient Mediterranean, specifically examining Christianity's emergence within Greco-Roman-Egyptian contexts through historical, archaeological, and textual analysis. Her educational background includes: PhD from University of Durham (2017), funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council Prior research fellowship at Australian Catholic University (2017-2020) Short-term fellowship at Warburg Institute, London Dr. Parkhouse's research spans ancient religion , early Christianity , and lived religion with specialized focus on gospel literature (canonical/non-canonical), papyrology , martyrdom narratives , and gender studies . She investigates how religious practices were embedded in place and landscape , materialized through objects and rituals , and expressed via magic within comparative frameworks. Her methodology uniquely integrates textual criticism with spatial analysis of religious sites. Recent publications reveal concentrated exploration of apocryphal texts (Gospel of Mary, Pistis Sophia) and spatial religion, particularly amphitheatre contexts. Parkhouse demonstrates how martyrdom narratives like Perpetua's intersect with colonial archaeology and power structures, while her work on Coptic manuscripts reveals ritual practices embedded in Egyptian landscapes. This interdisciplinary approach bridges historical analysis with material culture studies across 15+ publications. Her scholarly recognition includes: Manfred Lautenschläger Award (2024) for Eschatology and the Saviour A. R. Pete Diamond Award for Integrative Scholarship (2023) As principal investigator, Parkhouse directs the British Academy-funded project Coptic Apocrypha, Lived Religion and the Egyptian Landscape (2021-2025) and secured a British Academy/Leverhulme grant for Lived Religion in Late Antique Egypt (2024-2025). She co-edits the Coptic Gospels and Associated Texts book series (Cambridge University Press) and serves on editorial boards for Elements Early Christian Literature and multiple journals, demonstrating significant scholarly leadership beyond direct advising. Though not affiliated with formal laboratories, Parkhouse coordinates international research teams through her British Academy projects, focusing on interdisciplinary analysis of Coptic manuscripts and religious spatial practices in Egypt. Her editorial roles further extend her collaborative networks across global academic communities.
Dr. Oliver B. Langworthy is a Lecturer and Academic Editor at the School of Divinity of the University of St Andrews. His primary research interests include Patristics, Late Antiquity, Pneumatology, Ecclesiastical History, and Animal Ethics. He supervises PhD student Anna Christine Seiple and teaches modules such as DI2006 and DI5535. Key research areas involve the study of early Christian theologians like Gregory of Nazianzus and Theodoret, focusing on doctrinal development, pneumatological themes, and the reception of patristic thought. His work also explores intersections between theology and animal ethics, particularly through late antique philosophical and theological frameworks. Scientific Awards: Journal of Ecclesiastical History Eusebius Essay Prize (2018) Dr. Langworthy’s teaching and research reflect a deep engagement with primary sources from late antiquity, emphasizing their relevance to contemporary theological discourse. His publications bridge historical scholarship with thematic inquiries into holiness, creation, and early Christian identity.
Rev. Prof. John Behr holds the Regius Chair in Humanity at the University of Aberdeen, appointed in 2020. Previously, he served as Dean of St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (1995–2017) and held the Father Georges Florovsky Distinguished Professorship. His work bridges patristic scholarship and contemporary theology, focusing on early Christian thought, Nicaean theology, and theological anthropology. He earned a D.Phil. (Oxford) and D.D. (Melbourne). Research interests include the theology of Irenaeus, Origen, and Gregory of Nyssa, with a focus on Christology, asceticism, and the Council of Nicaea. His major works include The Mystery of Christ (2006), Becoming Human (2013), and critical editions of Origen’s On First Principles (2017). His recent articles explore Nicaean legacy, patristic exegesis, and theological responses to modern challenges. His publications reflect engagement with ecumenical dialogue, biblical hermeneutics, and the intersection of science and faith. Behr’s academic leadership includes directing theology programs and editing series like the Popular Patristics . His contributions emphasize the continuity of early Christian tradition with contemporary theological discourse.
Dr. Chiara Meccariello is a researcher at the University of Exeter's Department of Classics, Ancient History, Religion, and Theology. She holds a PhD in Classics from the University of Pisa and has held research and teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Vienna, University of Oxford, University of Göttingen, and University of Cambridge. Primary Research: Papyrology and textual criticism of Greek poetry Affiliation: Focuses on Hellenistic and Roman cultural history Specialization: Greek tragedy, satyr drama, mythography, and ancient education Her work centers on using papyrological evidence to explore the transmission and reception of classical texts, particularly Euripides. She has published extensively on fragmentary works, including an upcoming chapter in the 2024 edited volume Greek Culture in Hellenistic Egypt: The Literary Experience . A recent key project involved analyzing a papyrus containing lines from two lost plays of Euripides. Dr. Meccariello supervises PhD research in Greek papyrology, textual criticism, and related fields. Her editorial work includes co-editing The Oxyrhynchus Papyri (vol. LXXXI), a critical resource for classical scholars. Her publications span topics from ancient educational practices to mythological interpretations in late antiquity. While no specific scientific awards are documented in the provided text, her research continues to shape understanding of classical text transmission and reception.
Jeremy Dimmick is a Lecturer and College Tutor at St Catherine's College, University of Oxford, affiliated with the Faculty of English Language & Literature. His research focuses on late medieval historical narrative, the reception of classical authors like Ovid, and the interplay between tombs/monuments and literary texts. He has published on Chaucerian poetics, Gower's literary contributions, and early modern professional writers like Robert Greene. His work bridges medieval and early modern English literature, emphasizing classical influences and literary form. Recent publications include analyses of antiquity's role in Chaucer's poetics (2013) and studies of Robert Greene's contested legacy (2009). Though no awards are listed, his scholarship contributes to interdisciplinary discussions on medieval literary traditions. No formal advising or grant details are provided, but his affiliation with St Catherine's College suggests teaching and mentoring roles. His research integrates textual analysis with historical context, reflecting Oxford's emphasis on archival and comparative approaches to literary studies.
