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Florian Mussgnug is Professor of Comparative Literature and Italian Studies at University College London (UCL), Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He has held visiting roles at Heidelberg University, Roma Tre University, La Sapienza University Rome, University of Siena, and British School at Rome. Educational Background: PhD in Literary Studies (2009) at Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa DPhil in Italian Literature (2000) at University of Oxford MSt Research Methods in Modern Languages (1999) at University of Oxford BA in Philosophy and Modern Languages (1995) at University of Oxford Research Interests: His scholarship spans theories of authorship, genre and mode; religious/secular apocalyptic storytelling; posthumanism; anthropocene studies; comparative literature; intermediality; narratives of catastrophe and resilience; and modern/contemporary Italian, English, and German literature and culture. Grants and Research Leadership: As co-investigator for the AHRC-funded 'Interdisciplinary Italy 1900-2020' project (£831,131 total), he explores intermediality and interdisciplinarity. Additional grants include £35,000 (UCL Global Engagement Office, 2017) and £12,300 (ANCI, 2019). Scientific Awards & Service: He serves on prize juries (Premio Strega, Peter Lang Young Scholars) and national research assessment panels (Italy, Portugal). Awards include Edinburgh Gadda Prize (2012), Premio Nicoletta Quinto (2002), and Oxford Gibbs Prize (1998). Editorial and Institutional Roles: He sits on editorial boards (Arabeschi, Between, Modern Languages Open) and held leadership roles at UCL, including Vice-Dean International (2021) and Acting Head of School of European Languages, Culture and Society (2022).

• Theories of authorship, genre and mode
• Creative critical writing, co-creative research
• Religious and secular apocalyptic storytelling
• +7 more

Ramón Soneira Martínez is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Austrian Archaeological Institute's Department of Classical Studies. He holds a Degree in History from the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) with a focus on Ancient History, a Master's degree in Religious Studies, and a PhD in Religious Studies from the Max-Weber-Kolleg of the University of Erfurt (Germany) and the University of Graz (Austria). His academic career centers on interdisciplinary approaches to ancient religious phenomena. Education : Bachelor's Degree in History (Ancient History focus), Complutense University of Madrid Master's Degree in Religious Studies Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Religious Studies, Max-Weber-Kolleg (University of Erfurt) and University of Graz Research Interests : Ramón specializes in Ancient History of Religion, Theory and Methodology of Religious Studies, Religious Deviance, and Atheism in the ancient Mediterranean. His work explores unbelief narratives, sacred spatial practices, and biopolitical dimensions of religious systems in Greco-Roman contexts. Publication Trends : His recent scholarship (2020–2025) examines atheistic positions in Classical Athens, interdisciplinary frameworks for analyzing ancient religion, biopolitical dimensions of marriage, and ecological interpretations of sacred landscapes. These works frequently engage with Platonic philosophy, pre-Socratic thought, and comparative methodologies across Mediterranean civilizations. Current Research Projects : Doubt and religion in the ancient Mediterranean: A comparative analysis of unbelief narratives Lodging/Living in a Sacred Context: Investigating spatial dynamics of religious environments

• Ancient History of Religion
• Theory and Methodology of Religious Studies
• Religious Deviance
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Bart Cammaerts is Professor of Politics and Communication at the Department of Media and Communications , London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He previously served as Head of the Department and held academic roles at LSE since 2005, including Lecturer , Senior Lecturer , and Associate Professor . Earlier, he conducted postdoctoral research at LSE (Marie Curie Fellowship, 2003–2005), the University of Amsterdam (2002–2003), and doctoral research at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (1997–2002). Education: MA in Political Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (1996) PhD in Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (2002) Research Focus : Interdisciplinary work at the intersection of media and communication studies and political science , emphasizing the dialectic interplay between media and resistance, alternative media, protest movements, and critical analyses of neo-fascism normalization. His methodological approach combines quantitative (surveys, content analysis) and qualitative (interviews, discourse analysis) methods. Publications include books on anti-austerity protests , youth participation in democracy , and mediation of protest movements , reflecting themes like media strategies of activists , symbolic resistance , and hegemonic struggles . He is currently writing books on Dichotomies in Media Theory and the War on Woke . Scientific Awards Marie Curie Fellowship Postdoctoral Funding from EU’s 5th Framework Program Doctoral Supervision : Supervises Jessica Kong and has mentored Jessica Baines , Brooks DeCillia , and Cornelia Reyes Acosta to completion. He has taught postgraduate courses including Mediated Resistance and Activism , Political Communication in Democracies , and Modern Campaigning Politics .

• Political Communication
• Media and Communication Studies
• Social Movements
• +3 more

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.

• Late 19th century English literature
• Science fiction studies
• Gothic literature and romance
• +6 more

Wang Ning is a distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature with affiliations at Tsinghua University (part-time) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. His career spans prestigious roles including Zhiyuan Chair Professor (2009–present) and Changjiang Distinguished Professor (2013–present). Born in 1955, he holds academic qualifications from institutions in China, Europe, and North America. Research interests focus on cosmopolitanism, translation studies, Northrop Frye's mythopoeia, cultural studies, and Chinese-Western comparative literature. He has secured over ten grants since 1991 aimed at introducing European theory to China and has conducted research across Europe, North America, and Australia as a visiting professor/research fellow. Key achievements include the Changjiang Scholars Award (2013), membership in Académé de la Latinité (2010), and fellowships at Cambridge and Gottingen Universities. He co-founded Chinese editions of New Literary History and Critical Inquiry , advancing transnational literary discourse. Wang has delivered keynote lectures globally and led initiatives to bridge Chinese and Western literary traditions. His work emphasizes global literary dynamics, translation’s role in cultural exchange, and reinterpreting modern Chinese literature within global contexts.

• Cosmopolitanism and World Literature
• Translation Studies
• Northrop Frye and Mythology
• +5 more

Kjersti Fløttum is a Professor of French Linguistics at the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Humanities, University of Bergen since 1996. She has held secondary positions, including Professor II at the Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies, University of Oslo (2013). Her academic roles include Vice-Rector for International Relations (2005–2009) and membership on the University of Bergen's board since 2013. Fløttum specializes in discourse analysis , focusing on linguistic polyphony within scientific, political, and climate change discourse . Her work explores narrative structures in climate change communication and text and genre theory , with leadership in projects like KIAP, EURLING, and LINGCLIM. She has collaborated on the documentary Talking about Climate and contributed to journals such as Nature Climate Change and Global Environmental Change . She has received prestigious honors, including an honorary doctorate from Uppsala University (2014), membership in the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (2017), and recognition for research dissemination excellence (2016).

• Semantics-Pragmatics
• Climate Change Discourse
• Linguistic Polyphony
• +5 more

Jostein Gripsrud is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Information Science and Media Studies at the University of Bergen, Norway. He has held leadership roles including Head of Department (2004–2007) and has been a Professor since 1991. His career includes adjunct professorships at Stavanger University College and visiting fellowships at institutions like the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris) and UCLA. Education: Dr.philos. (Honorary PhD), University of Bergen (1988) Cand.philol. (Norwegian M.A.), University of Bergen (1979) Research Interests: Focuses on media and the public sphere, media policy, cultural studies, and political communication. His work explores topics like digitalization’s impact on democracy, Scandinavian immigration discourse, and the role of media in shaping societal narratives. Key Publications Trends: Recent works analyze political polarization in Norway, Scandinavian media coverage of immigration, and historical media policy. Earlier research includes foundational studies on television’s role in European democracy and cultural capital dynamics. Awards: 2014 Norwegian Media Association Communication of Knowledge Prize 2001 University of Bergen Meltzer Prize 2011 International Francqui Professorship Research Projects: Includes the SCANPUB project on public discourse and political decision-making in Scandinavia. Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary research networks, particularly in media policy and cultural studies.

• Media Studies
• Public Sphere
• Media Policy
• +3 more

Michael Rothberg is the 1939 Society Samuel Goetz Chair in Holocaust Studies, Professor of English and Comparative Literature at UCLA, and affiliate of the Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies. He previously held positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Miami. Education: PhD in Comparative Literature (1995) from CUNY; M.Phil. (1994); B.A. with Highest Honors in English and Linguistics from Swarthmore College (1988). Research Interests: Memory Studies, focusing on multidirectional memory frameworks Intersection of Holocaust studies with postcolonial and decolonial theory Literary and cultural theory applied to historical trauma Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship (2023) Conrad Humanities Scholar (2009-2014) ACLS Collaborative Research Fellowship (2011-2012) He directs graduate studies in comparative literature at UCLA and co-organizes the Working Group in Memory Studies. His work appears in Contemporary Literature , Critical Inquiry , and public outlets like Los Angeles Review of Books and The Nation .

• Memory Studies
• Holocaust and Genocide Studies
• Postcolonial Studies
• +3 more

Hanna Meretoja is a Professor of Comparative Literature and Department Chair at the University of Turku since 2016. She is the Founding Director of SELMA: Centre for the Study of Storytelling, Experientiality and Memory (2015–present) and has held visiting positions at the University of Oxford and The American University of Paris. Education: PhD in Comparative Literature, University of Turku, 2010 MA in Comparative Literature, University of Turku, 2001 Research Interests: Meretoja’s scholarship explores narrative ethics, the intersections of literature-philosophy-history, and philosophical hermeneutics. She is a key figure in cultural memory studies, trauma studies, life-writing, and medical humanities, with a focus on 20th/21st-century narrative fiction across French, German, and English literatures. Her work also examines the socio-critical dimensions of literature and the interplay of ethics and aesthetics. Scientific Awards and Honours: Honorary Research Fellow, Royal Holloway (2019–2022) Visiting Fellowships at University of Oxford (2019–2020) Early Career Award for interdisciplinary narrative studies (2018) Founding Narrare Centre at University of Tampere (2014) Humanist Doctor of the Year, University of Turku (2011) Leadership and Research Funding: She served as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities (2017–2019) and Deputy Head of the School of History, Culture and Arts Studies (2015–2016) at the University of Turku. Meretoja has secured €734,630 in research funding, including grants from the Academy of Finland and the European Commission’s European Remembrance Programme. She has supervised 22 PhD students, 75 MA students, and 11 postdocs and delivered 38 keynote/invited lectures globally.

• Narrative studies
• Narrative ethics
• Interrelations between literature, philosophy and history
• +14 more

He Chengzhou is a full Professor of English, Drama, and Comparative Literature, and currently serves as Dean of the School of Arts at Nanjing University. He holds a Doctor of Arts from Oslo University, following B.A. and M.A. degrees from Nanjing Normal University. His academic leadership roles include Chinese Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies (2013-2017), President of Jiangsu Comparative Literature Association (2016-present), and former Chairman of the International Ibsen Committee (2010-2012). Research focuses on Henrik Ibsen, Scandinavian literatures, intercultural theatre, and comparative drama. Key works include (2004) and (2009). He has been honored with the Ibsen Medal (2002) and the prestigious Changjiang Distinguished Professor title (2015). Professional contributions include directing the Chinese-Nordic Cultural Centre and European Studies Centre at Nanjing University. His academic trajectory spans over three decades, with influential publications in intercultural performance, gender studies, and environmental literary analysis.

• Scandinavian Literatures
• Comparative Literature
• European and American Drama
• +3 more

Saskia Sassen is the Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology at Columbia University and Co-Chair of the Committee on Global Thought. Her research focuses on globalization, urban studies, immigration, and inequality, with key contributions to understanding the sociology of globalization, global cities, and systemic expulsions in the global economy. Major Projects: Global cities theory, expulsions framework, denationalization processes, and ethics of the city research. Books: The Global City , Expulsions: Brutality and Complexity in the Global Economy , Territory, Authority, Rights , and A Sociology of Globalization . Research Themes: Sassen's work interrogates how globalization reshapes economic, social, and environmental systems. She examines the interplay between territory and digitalization, the rise of expulsions beyond traditional inequality frameworks, and the privatization of urban spaces. Her scholarship bridges sociology, political economy, and environmental studies, emphasizing the need for new theoretical approaches to address complex global systems. Scientific Awards: Prince of Asturias Prize in Social Sciences (2013) Multiple doctor honoris causa (Delft University of Technology, DePaul University, Universite de Poitiers, Royal Stockholm Technical University, Ghent University, Warwick University, Universidad de Murcia, European University Institute, Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Universidad de Valencia, Universidad de Guadalajara, Ecole Normale Superieure) Member of Academia Europaea, Council on Foreign Relations, and Royal Academy of Sciences of the Netherlands Professional Activities: Sassen has led major research initiatives including the Transnationalism Project at the University of Chicago, the Herrhausen Foundation's Urban Age project, and the European Union Research Council-funded Cities at War: Global Insecurity and Urban Resistance . She advises governments, international organizations, and academic institutions on urban governance, migration, and global economic systems.

• Globalization studies
• Urban studies
• Immigration
• +4 more

Nie Zhenzhao is a distinguished academic and Distinguished Professor of Literature at Zhejiang University, serving as Founding Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies of World Literatures. He holds leadership roles in multiple national and international scholarly associations, including Vice President of the International Association for Ethical Literary Criticism and Co-Founder of the Chinese/American Association of Poetry and Poetics. His research focuses on comparative literature, ethical criticism, and literary theory, with significant contributions to translation studies. He is a Principal Investigator for major research projects with the National Social Sciences Foundation of China and has received prestigious awards such as the K.C. Wong Fellowship and the Ministry of Education’s Humanities and Social Sciences Awards. Nie leads the National Course for Excellence on foreign literature history and has authored foundational works like Introduction to Ethical Literary Criticism . Editor-in-Chief of Interdisciplinary Studies of Literature and Forum for World Literature Studies Member of the Experts' Panel for China’s National Social Sciences Foundation Recipient of the Central Government Special Annual Stipend since 1993 His research bridges ethical philosophy and literary analysis, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to global literature. Recent projects explore oral literature’s cognitive dimensions and the intersection of ethics with narrative structures.

• Comparative Literature
• Ethical Literary Criticism
• Poetry and Poetics
• +3 more

Claudia Lehmann is a University Professor of Film Art & Visual Communication at the Institute for Open Arts, Department of Scenography at Mozarteum University Salzburg. She has been a professor at Mozarteum University since 2019 and previously served as a visiting professor at the Berlin Weissensee Art Academy. As a faculty member, she contributes to the Institute management, teaches as a Teacher, and serves on the Curricular Commission. Dr. Lehmann holds a doctorate in physics (Dr. rer. nat.) with her dissertation "GAUGE COVARIANT MULTISCALE ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS" published through DESY-Publications in 2004. Her academic journey reflects a unique interdisciplinary trajectory from scientific research to artistic practice. Claudia Lehmann's research interests center around the intersection of art and science, with particular focus on perception, reality, and systemic phenomena. Her work spans documentaries, feature films, music videos, art videos, installations, and performances, constantly searching for new forms and formats. She develops visual concepts, video stage sets, and unique live video performances, often in collaboration with Nicolas Stemann. Through her work, she explores diverse possibilities for new structures, especially in the form of artistic collaboration. Her recent artistic output shows a consistent trend toward interdisciplinary work that blends theater, film, and digital media. Lehmann frequently collaborates with Nicolas Stemann and Konrad Hempel, creating innovative performances that integrate video technology with traditional stagecraft. Her work often addresses social and political themes while experimenting with form and presentation. The Institute for Experimental Affairs (IXA), which she co-founded with Konrad Hempel, serves as a platform for exploring the interfaces between science and art through various projects and research initiatives. Dr. Lehmann has received several prestigious awards for her work: Samsung Smartfilm Award 2013 Shocking Shorts Award 2007 Nomination for German Documentary Film Music Prize 2013 Nomination for Studio Hamburg Young Talent Prize for Best Screenplay As an educator and researcher, Lehmann has developed numerous collaborative projects and performances that have been featured at major international festivals including the Berlin International Film Festival, Leipzig Documentary Film Festival, and various theater festivals. Her work with IXA represents a significant research initiative at the intersection of science and art. Lehmann co-founded the Institute for Experimental Affairs (IXA) with visual artist and composer Konrad Hempel. Through IXA, she conducts research and realizes projects at the interfaces between science and art. Her collaborative work spans theater productions, film projects, and interactive installations that have been presented at venues including the Schauspielhaus Zürich, Münchner Kammerspiele, Opéra Comique Paris, and various international festivals.

• Film Art
• Visual Communication
• Video Installation
• +7 more

Dr. Alexander Linsbichler serves as Senior Postdoc and Principal Investigator at the Institute of Philosophy and Scientific Method at Johannes Kepler University Linz. He leads the FWF ESPRIT project 'Adverse Allies: Logical Empiricism and Austrian Economics' and will assume Principal Investigator duties for the OeNB (Austrian National Bank) Anniversary Fund Project 'Carl Menger as a Central Banker?' starting January 2025. Concurrently, he holds faculty appointments at the Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy (University of Vienna) and the Department of International Economics (Vienna International School), and lectures at multiple economics departments across Vienna and Graz institutions. Dr. Linsbichler earned his doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Vienna with highest distinction in September 2020 through the Doctoral Program 'The Sciences in Historical, Philosophical and Cultural Contexts.' His academic foundation includes an MA in History and Philosophy of Science (2014) and a Mag.rer.nat. in Mathematics: Mathematical Logic and Foundations (2012), both completed with highest distinction from the University of Vienna and Vienna University of Technology. His research centers on the philosophical foundations of economics, with particular emphasis on the Austrian School of Economics within historical context. Dr. Linsbichler investigates the complex relationship between Logical Empiricism and Austrian Economics, the evolution of economic methodology, and the history of economic thought from Viennese Enlightenment through 20th century debates. His work frequently examines intellectual connections between figures like Otto Neurath, Ludwig von Mises, and members of both the Vienna Circle and Mises Circle, challenging conventional narratives about these philosophical and economic traditions. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a scholarly trajectory focused on re-examining foundational assumptions in economic thought, particularly regarding the socialist calculation debates, the role of formal methods in economics, and the historical development of Viennese economic philosophy. His interdisciplinary approach integrates philosophy of science, economic methodology, and historical analysis to provide nuanced perspectives on longstanding debates in economic theory. 2nd place RHETM Paper Prize 2020 for 'Rationalities and Their Limits: Reconstructing Neurath's and Mises's Prerequisites in the Early Socialist Calculation Debates' As Principal Investigator of major research projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the Austrian National Bank, Dr. Linsbichler manages substantial research resources. His FWF ESPRIT project 'Adverse Allies' explores historical connections between Logical Empiricism and Austrian Economics, while his upcoming OeNB project will investigate Carl Menger's central banking contributions. These projects demonstrate his ability to secure competitive funding and lead interdisciplinary research teams examining foundational questions in economic thought. Dr. Linsbichler actively participates in multiple research initiatives including 'Adverse Allies: Logical Empiricism and Austrian Economics' (FWF), 'Carl Menger as a Central Banker?' (OeNB), and 'Normative Framework for Measuring Lifespan Inequity' (NORM_LIFE). These projects unite scholars from philosophy, economics, and history to investigate methodological questions in economic theory and policy formation, with particular attention to how philosophical frameworks shape economic reasoning.

• Philosophy of Economics
• History of Economic Thought
• Austrian School of Economics
• +5 more

Professor Margaret-Anne Hutton serves as Chair of French and Comparative Literature at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and founded the Institute for Contemporary and Comparative Literature (ICCL) in 2010. The ICCL functions as the institutional framework for the interdisciplinary project 'What is the contemporary?' (2015-2018), which secured two major Leverhulme Trust grants. Her research centers on post-2000 literature with specialized expertise in crime fiction , 9/11 fiction , and WWII testimonial texts . She pioneers theoretical frameworks for understanding 'the contemporary', examining how literature processes historical trauma and constructs temporal consciousness across cultural contexts. Her methodological approach bridges literary analysis with historical and philosophical inquiry. Hutton's publication trajectory reveals consistent engagement with traumatic 20th/21st-century events through comparative lenses. Her work demonstrates how French literature interrogates Holocaust memory, 9/11 geopolitics, and ethical dilemmas in contemporary fiction. The Leverhulme-funded project exemplifies her leadership in creating cross-disciplinary dialogues about temporal frameworks in modern cultural production. As founder of the ICCL, Hutton has established a dynamic research ecosystem exploring contemporaneity through collaborative initiatives. The institute facilitates international scholarly exchange on how literature defines and responds to the present moment, connecting French studies with global literary currents and theoretical debates.

• Contemporary Literature
• Crime Fiction
• 9/11 Fiction
• +3 more