Kate Holland is an Associate Professor and Acting Associate Chair (Graduate) at the University of Toronto, specializing in 19th-century Russian literature and its cultural contexts. Her work focuses on the history of the novel, Russian literary theory, and the interplay between Russian and European literary traditions. She teaches courses such as 'The Golden Age of Russian Literature' and 'Dostoevsky in Literary Criticism and Theory.' Dr. Holland earned her PhD from Yale University (2004) and a BA/MA from the University of Cambridge (1998). Her research explores themes like genre evolution in Dostoevsky’s works, the publication culture of 19th-century Russian periodicals, and the theoretical frameworks of Historical Poetics. Her recent publications include A Dostoevskii Companion: Texts and Contexts (2018) and The Novel in the Age of Disintegration (2013), analyzing Dostoevsky’s engagement with genre and modernity. Her scholarship frequently examines narrative form, cultural history, and the intersection of literature with philosophical and religious thought.
Professor Max Deeg is a leading scholar in Buddhist Studies at Cardiff University , holding a personal chair since 2009. With a career spanning institutions in Germany, Austria, and the UK, his research focuses on transcultural Buddhist history from India to East Asia, Chinese Buddhist travelogues , and interreligious encounters in medieval China. He has held visiting positions at universities in Japan, Nepal, the US, and Germany, and currently directs the Centre for the History of Religion in Asia (CHRA) . PhD from University of Würzburg (1990) Dr. phil. habil. in Religious Studies (1998) Full Professor at University of Vienna (2002-2006) His research explores Buddhist narratives as tools for constructing religious identity, foundation myths in trans-Himalayan contexts, and terminology evolution in Chinese Buddhist translations. Recent publications analyze Indian Buddhist monasticism through Chinese sources and religious concepts like xin (trust) across Buddhist, Manichaean, and Christian traditions. Awarded the KHK Visiting Research Fellowship (2016) and a DAAD Scholarship (1986-87) , Prof Deeg contributes to editorial boards of major journals. He supervises PhD students and teaches Buddhist Studies , Life of the Buddha , and Chinese Buddhist Texts .
Angelika Malinar, Professor of Indology at the University of Zurich and member of its Gender Studies Department, specializes in Hinduism, Indian philosophy, and Sanskrit literature. Her work spans historical and modern contexts, with a focus on epic texts and Indo-European exchanges. She co-edits the Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism and contributes to the University Research Priority Program "Asia and Europe." PhD and habilitation from University of Tübingen Researcher at Tübingen, Berlin, and London Her research integrates Sanskrit epics, philosophical traditions, and modern Hindu identity. Recent publications analyze Mahābhārata theology, ritual practices, and cross-cultural interpretations. She explores how texts like the Bhagavadgītā and Nārāyaṇīya bridge ritualism, aesthetics, and individual authority. Key article trends examine cosmological monotheism , epic decision-making , and colonial reinterpretations . Her editorial roles include interdisciplinary volumes on time, purity, and Indo-European cultural dialogues. As a Senior Lecturer at SOAS and Professor in Zurich, she has led projects on monastic institutions, rasas, and canonical formation. Her work contextualizes Indian philosophy within global frameworks, notably nineteenth-century German Indology.
Andrea Lanza serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Italian Studies within the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto. Originally from Italy, he completed his academic training in France at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), earning both his Diplôme d'Études Avancées and Doctorat degrees, following his Laurea from Università degli Studi di Milano La Statale. His scholarly profile demonstrates extensive transnational engagement with French political thought while maintaining institutional affiliation with Italian Studies. Doctorat, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris) Diplôme d'Études Avancées, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris) Laurea, Università degli Studi di Milano La Statale Lanza's research focuses on the historical intersections between political thought and social science, with particular emphasis on Early French Socialism (1800-1850), the making of French working classes, and Contemporary French Political Thought. His scholarly trajectory follows two interrelated axes: the emergence of socialist discourse in 19th century France and historic-philosophical debates on democratic society, especially regarding French thinkers like Lefort, Gauchet, Rosanvallon, Foucault, and Rancière. His work demonstrates remarkable interdisciplinary range, connecting political philosophy with historical anthropology, sociology, and religious studies. His recent publications reveal a growing engagement with contemporary issues including decolonization debates, cancel culture, and the epistemological challenges facing social sciences today. Lanza has also held significant administrative roles, serving as Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Italian Studies during 2022-2023. Administrative Service: Associate Chair - Undergraduate, Department of Italian Studies (2022-2023) Lanza's scholarly network extends across North America and Europe, with collaborations spanning multiple disciplines. His recent editorial work on Claude Lefort's political philosophy and Marcel Gauchet's theories of democratic society demonstrates his position at the forefront of contemporary political thought scholarship.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Duve is a Director at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory and holds the Professorship for Comparative Legal History at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. His research focuses on global legal history, particularly the interplay between secular and religious knowledge in the Iberian empires of the early modern period, and the method of legal history and comparative law. Director, Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory Professor of Comparative Legal History, Goethe University Frankfurt Co-editor of 'The School of Salamanca Working Paper Series' Duve’s research explores normative knowledge production, colonial law, and the glocalization of legal norms. He has led projects such as 'Glocalizing Normativities' and 'Mapping Conflicts in Iberian Worlds', emphasizing cross-cultural legal exchange and historical normativity regimes. His recent publications (2018–2025) address global legal history, transnational legal practices, and the role of canon law in colonial settings. Key themes include legal pluralism, indigenous rights, and the translation of legal norms across cultures, with methodological innovations in comparative and transnational legal studies. Duve collaborates extensively with international scholars and institutions, including the Max Planck Partner Group and the Oxford Handbook of Legal History. His work bridges European and Latin American legal traditions, offering critical insights into legal globalization and postcolonial legal analysis.
Marc-Antoine Dilhac serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, where he also directs governance and international collaboration initiatives. He holds leadership roles as Scientific Director of Algora Lab and leads the Ethics and Politics research axis at the Centre de recherche en éthique (CRÉ). His academic affiliations extend to the Centre d'études et de recherches internationales (CÉRIUM) and the Canada Research Chair in Public Ethics and Political Theory (2014-2019). Education: PhD in Philosophy and Political Science, University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne (2009) Master 2 in Philosophy and Political Science, University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne (2003) Agrégation in Philosophy, University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne (2002) Dilhac's research spans ethics, political philosophy, and AI governance, with particular focus on democratic tolerance, multiculturalism, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. His work bridges theoretical political philosophy with practical applications in AI policy development, sustainable finance, and democratic institutions. He has contributed significantly to UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and leads initiatives examining AI's impact on French-speaking culture and democratic values. His recent publications reveal a clear trajectory from foundational work on tolerance and justice theory toward contemporary AI ethics challenges. The thematic evolution shows increasing engagement with practical governance frameworks, particularly in finance and education sectors, while maintaining strong philosophical grounding in democratic theory and institutional design. Key Awards and Recognition: Canada Research Chair in Public Ethics and Political Theory (2014-2019) Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011) Contributor to UNESCO's Recommendation on AI Ethics (2021) Dilhac has supervised over 15 graduate students across philosophy, political science, and interdisciplinary AI ethics programs. His research is supported by multiple grants from FRQSC, FRQNT, SSHRC, and MITACS, totaling over $2 million CAD. Current projects include the Generative AI Ethics Framework for Educational Technology (2024-2025) and the Sustainable Finance AI Tools project examining ESG/DEI disclosure analysis. He co-founded and leads the CORDÉ research group on corruption and democracy, and directs Algora Lab's work on AI governance. His upcoming February 2025 panel at Université Laval will address AI and Francophone cultural perspectives ahead of the Paris AI Action Summit.
Dag Henrik Tuastad is a Professor of Middle East Studies at the Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages (IKOS) at the University of Oslo. His research focuses on kinship dynamics in Palestinian politics, rebel governance (notably Hamas rule in Gaza 2007–2023), political representation crises, and the intersection of sports and politics in the Middle East. Current projects include senior research at Football and Religion in the Middle East (FORM) , funded by the Norwegian Research Council (2021–2026) Former project leader for Rebel Governance in the Middle East (2017–2021) PhD in Social Anthropology (2008) on kinship in Palestinian politics His recent publications analyze Hamas’s symbolic authority, football’s role in Jordanian-Palestinian identity formation, and the erosion of legal frameworks in the West Bank. He critiques media bias (e.g., in Qatar World Cup coverage) and explores how football culture reflects broader political tensions. Teaching: Courses on Middle East history, cultural anthropology, and conflict resolution Regional Focus: Palestine, Jordan, Gaza, and the Levant
Professor Antoine Lilti, born in 1972, holds the History of the Enlightenment, 18th to 21st century chair at the Collège de France. A graduate of the École normale supérieure and agrégé d'histoire, he defends his dissertation on 18th-century Parisian salons in 2003. His research spans social, cultural, and intellectual history, focusing on Enlightenment legacies, celebrity culture, and modernity's ambivalences. Current chair at Collège de France (2022–today) Directed the journal Annales Histoire, sciences sociales (2006–2011) Editor of the "L'épreuve de l'histoire" collection at Fayard (2013–today) Research Interests: 18th-century sociability practices Invention of celebrity (1750–1850) Long-term Enlightenment legacies post-French Revolution Polysemy of the Enlightenment in secularization and universalism debates His public lectures (2022–2026) explore topics like Charlatans! Scholars and philosophers in the public arena , Science and Enlightenment , and Haiti's independence debt , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to intellectual history.
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Freitag is a distinguished scholar in Islamic Studies and social history of the Arab world, holding a Professorship at Freie Universität Berlin and serving as Director of the Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient (ZMO) . Her work bridges urban history, transregional Islamic networks, and Arabian Peninsula studies within Indian Ocean and Red Sea contexts. Education : PhD in Islamic Studies (Freiburg, 1991), Habilitation (Bonn, 2002) Research : Focus on Ottoman urban violence, Saudi state formation, Hadhrami diaspora, and historical urbanism in Jeddah Her supervision of PhD projects spans topics from Moroccan Sufi sanctußen to Yemeni Jewish communities. Recent scientific awards include fellowships at Leiden University and Käthe-Hamburger Kolleg. She contributes to public discourse through Tagesspiegel op-eds and international conferences.
Zeynep K. Korkman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Gender Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a research focus on gendered intersections of affect, labor, religion, and feminist politics in Turkey and the Muslim Middle East. Her forthcoming book Gendered Fortunes: Divination, Precarity, and Affect in Postsecular Turkey (Duke University Press, 2023) examines fortunetelling economies as windows into neoliberal and authoritarian contradictions. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2011 B.A. in Sociology, Bosphorus University, Istanbul, Turkey, 2000 Dr. Korkman's research centers on Transnational feminisms , gender-labor-affect dynamics , religion/secularism in public spheres , and Turkey/Middle Eastern studies . She investigates how women and LGBTIQ individuals navigate heteropatriarchy, neoliberal capitalism, and anti-Muslim racism through affective labor and political resistance, critically engaging postsecular complexities in millennial Turkey. Her 14 recent publications (2014-2023) reveal consistent thematic evolution: early work analyzed commodified intimacy and divination in Turkey's political economy, while recent scholarship critically examines anti-Muslim racism, transnational feminist solidarities, and secularism's gendered politics. Methodologically grounded in ethnography and cultural analysis, her work bridges Gender Studies, Sociology, and Middle Eastern Studies with urgent interventions in global feminist discourse. Her awards include: Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship, American Association of University Women (2019) Hellman Fellows Award, UCLA (2019) Research Fellowship, NEH/American Research Institute in Turkey (2016) Faculty Career Development Award, UCLA (2017) Research Professorship, University of Arizona (2015) Dr. Korkman's grant portfolio demonstrates sustained support for transnational feminist research, including National Endowment for the Humanities funding and multi-institutional fellowships. Her editorial leadership in Meridians journal's special issue on anti-Muslim racism reflects active mentorship in emerging scholarly conversations, though specific student advising details remain undisclosed in available materials.
Dr. Joseph Bosco Bangura is a Senior Researcher in Religious Studies & Missiology at the Evangelical Theological Faculty (ETF Leuven) and Senior Researcher in Intercultural Theology at the Protestant Theological University, Groningen. He serves as a Part-Time Lecturer at Aachen University and has held roles at institutions in Sierra Leone, Germany, South Africa, and Uganda. His work bridges Pentecostalism, missiology, and intercultural theology across Africa and Europe. Education: Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies (ETF Leuven & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2013) M.Th. (ETF Leuven, 2007) M.Phil. (Fourah Bay College, 2004) Post-Graduate Certificate in Ecumenical Studies (Ecumenical Institute Bossey, 2001) B.Th. (Evangelical College of Theology, 1997) Research Interests focus on African Pentecostalism, contextual theology, secularization in Africa and Europe, interfaith engagement, and the cultural adaptation of migrant churches. His work explores the intersection of religion with environmental disasters, gender dynamics, and digital media in African Christianity. Selected Articles highlight eco-theology in Sierra Leone, gender and leadership in diaspora churches, and the impact of secularization on Pentecostal communities. His publications also address urban missiology, transnational practices, and the historical evolution of African churches. Academic Memberships: European Academy on Religion and Society American Society of Missiology GloPent Research Network Lamin Sanneh Institute (University of Ghana)
Rachel Marion Scott is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Religion and Culture at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, within the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. She is also affiliated with ASPECT (Alliance of Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought), reflecting her interdisciplinary engagement with political and ethical theory in Islamic contexts. Her research centers on Islamic political thought, modern Islamic law, constitutional development in Muslim-majority countries, and personal status law. She has made significant contributions to understanding the interplay between religion and the nation-state, particularly in Egypt. Her scholarly work explores how religious authority is negotiated in constitutional frameworks, the evolution of Islamic legal thought, and the role of institutions like al-Azhar and the Muslim Brotherhood in shaping political discourse. Professor Scott’s publications reveal a sustained focus on the dynamics of Islamic law in modern governance, with a particular emphasis on Egypt’s constitutional history and legal reforms. Her work bridges religious studies, political science, and legal theory, addressing themes such as secularism, religious pluralism, citizenship, and hermeneutics. The articles show a trajectory from broader studies of political Islam to more nuanced analyses of constitutionalism, gender, and religious authority. She has authored two major monographs: The Challenge of Political Islam: Non-Muslims and the Egyptian State (Stanford University Press, 2010) and Recasting Islamic Law: Religion and the Nation State in Egyptian Constitution Making (Cornell University Press, 2021), both of which are central to contemporary scholarship on Islam and governance. While no formal list of awards is provided in the text, her publications with leading academic presses indicate recognition and scholarly impact in her field. Rachel M. Scott advises graduate students and contributes to academic mentorship through her leadership roles. As department chair, she oversees curriculum development, faculty collaboration, and interdisciplinary initiatives. There is no explicit mention of external grants, but her research output suggests engagement with funded scholarly projects or institutional support. She is affiliated with research initiatives related to Islamic studies, political thought, and constitutional law, particularly through her work with ASPECT and the Department of Religion and Culture. These affiliations support collaborative scholarship on ethics, cultural thought, and the role of religion in public life.
Toomas Laarits is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University, where he joined in 2019. His research lies at the intersection of asset pricing, financial intermediation, and monetary policy, with a focus on investor behavior, safe assets, and macroeconomic announcements. Education: PhD in Financial Economics, Yale University, 2019 MPhil in Financial Economics, Yale University, 2017 MA in Financial Economics, Yale University, 2016 AB in Mathematics, Harvard University, 2010 His research investigates puzzles in financial markets, such as the pre-FOMC announcement drift, retail investor behavior, and the role of safe assets in times of crisis. By combining empirical analysis with theoretical modeling, he explores how investors interpret public information, the hedging demand for Treasuries, and the impact of fiscal stimulus on equity markets. His interdisciplinary work also extends into financial history, examining the 1930 downturn and the evolution of financial architecture. The most recent research articles show a strong trend toward understanding decision-making under uncertainty, the role of information in asset pricing, and the behavior of retail investors using novel datasets such as browser activity. His work frequently appears in top finance journals and receives media attention from outlets like the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the text. Professor Laarits has advised or collaborated with researchers such as Marco Sammon and has been involved in multiple high-impact projects with leading scholars including Gary Gorton, Viral Acharya, and Robin Greenwood. While no formal grants are listed, the scope and publication record suggest active funding. He teaches Foundations of Finance at the undergraduate level and contributes to the academic life at NYU Stern through research and mentorship. Labs and Research Teams: No formal lab is mentioned. However, his extensive co-authorship network indicates active participation in collaborative research groups focused on financial economics, macro-finance, and market microstructure.
Karl Bell is an Associate Professor in Cultural and Social History at the University of Portsmouth, specializing in supernatural and environmental history, folklore, and Victorian popular culture. He joined in 2007 after teaching at the University of East Anglia. Co-director, Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures Co-Principal Investigator, 'From Sail to Steam, Carbon to Green' (Lloyd’s Register-funded, 2025-2031) Former director, Supernatural Cities project (2016-2022) Education: PhD in History, University of East Anglia (2007) MA in Modern History, Birkbeck College, University of London (2001) BA Hons in Modern History, Anglia Ruskin University (1992) His research explores the relationship between modernity, enchantment, and the Gothic, with a focus on coastal environments, psychogeography, and the revival of folklore in contemporary culture. He has authored books like the award-winning The Legend of Spring-heeled Jack and The Magical Imagination . Recent publications examine maritime haunting, urban Gothic mindscapes, and the evolution of supernatural narratives. His work bridges historical analysis with literary and cultural studies, emphasizing affective landscapes and storytelling. Scientific Awards: Outstanding PhD Supervisor Award, University of Portsmouth (2017) He has secured AHRC funding for 'Lost Voices: Spiritualism in the First World War' (2017) and leads the Lloyd’s Register-funded 'From Sail to Steam' project (2025-2031). As founder of Portsmouth Darkfest (2016-2021), he fostered academic-creative collaborations and developed the Portsmyth app. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including the MA Victorian Gothic distance learning program, and serves on editorial boards of Revenant and Coastal Studies and Society .
Dr. Kerstin Steiner is an Associate Professor at the Law School, La Trobe University. She holds adjunct roles at the University of Melbourne's Asian Law Centre and Centre for Indonesian Law, Islam and Society. Her leadership roles include Director of Research (2021), Acting Head of Law School (2019), and mentorship in promotions programs. Education: PhD, Melbourne University LLM, Melbourne University LLB, University of Bielefeld, Germany Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Monash University Research Interests: Dr. Steiner specializes in comparative legal studies focusing on Southeast Asia, particularly intersections of law with politics, economics, and society, with a strong emphasis on Islam's role in judicial systems. She has conducted groundbreaking work on legal pluralism, religious governance, and anti-corruption frameworks in Malaysia and the Philippines. Key Research Trends: Her recent work (2023-2025) highlights evolving legal challenges in Southeast Asia, including digital hate speech mitigation, Islamic financial systems, and constitutional reforms in pluralistic societies. Earlier research (2017-2020) centered on corruption dynamics (e.g., 1MDB scandal), Shariah court systems, and gender equity in legal frameworks. Awards: VC Cultural Quality Award (2024), Distinguished Scholar Award (PHISO, 2018), Multiple Research Excellence Awards (2017) Grants: $100k+ for international study tours; ARC Discovery Project (2016-2020) on Islam, Law, and the Philippine State Labs/Teams: La Trobe Asia Steering Committee, International Legal Studies Research Group (ILSRG), Working Group on Islamophobia
