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Ronald E Hutton is Professor of History in the Department of History (Historical Studies) at the University of Bristol, specializing in Early Modern Studies. He is a member of the 'Medieval and Early Modern Cluster' at Bristol and holds multiple prestigious fellowships including FBA (Fellow of the British Academy), FLSW (Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales), FSA (Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries), and FRHistS (Fellow of the Royal Historical Society). Hutton is a leading authority on the history of the British Isles in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, ancient and medieval paganism and magic, and the global context of witchcraft beliefs. He is recognized as the foremost historian of the ritual year in Britain and of modern paganism. His research interests span the political and religious history of the British Isles (1560-1690), seasonal festivals of the British Isles, and themes in the history of paganism, witchcraft and magic from prehistory to the present. Hutton's extensive publication record includes 142 research outputs comprising 85 journal articles, 29 book chapters, 19 authored books, and 5 conference contributions. His work demonstrates consistent focus on witchcraft, paganism, religious traditions, and British cultural history, with recent publications examining topics like the Wild Hunt legend, pagan survivals in Christianity, and Welsh political and religious history during the revolutionary period. Fellowship of the British Academy (2013) Fellowship of the Learned Society of Wales (2011) Hutton currently supervises twenty-two research students, fifteen of whom are working toward PhD degrees, and welcomes new research proposals in his areas of expertise. His activities include extensive conference participation (15 conference appearances), invited talks (8), advisory work, public talks, and media engagement. He previously led the research project 'THE IMAGE OF THE DRUID IN BRITAIN 1500-2000' (2003-2006) as Principal Investigator.

• Early Modern British History
• Paganism Studies
• Witchcraft History
• +4 more

Professor Owen Davies is a faculty member at the University of Hertfordshire , affiliated with the History Department at the School of Creative Arts . His research spans witchcraft , magic , supernatural beliefs , and folklore , with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches integrating archaeology, anthropology, and biomedical studies. Key research areas : Witchcraft, Domestic Magic, Medical History, Electrification, Public History. Recent projects : AHRC-funded 'StoryMachine', Leverhulme 'Inner Lives', Wellcome Trust 'Harnessing the Power of the Criminal Corpse', and a new AHRC 3-year study on witch bottles. Selected publications : America Bewitched (2013), The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic (2017), Troubled by Faith (2023). Awards : Funded by AHRC, Wellcome Trust, and Leverhulme Trust. Collaborates with institutions like Museum of London Archaeology and University of Essex. Leads community engagement via the Heritage Hub and 'Electric Generations' exhibition.

• Witchcraft
• Magic
• Supernatural Beliefs
• +5 more

Alexandra Walsham is Professor of Modern History at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Emmanuel College. She previously held roles as Chair of the Faculty of History (2019-2022) and currently serves as President of the Historical Association. Her academic roots include a PhD from Trinity College, Cambridge, following studies at the University of Melbourne and Exeter University. Her research focuses on religious and cultural history of early modern Britain, particularly the Protestant and Catholic Reformations. Key themes include post-Reformation Catholicism, religious tolerance, providence, miracles, the history of the book, and the relationship between religion and landscape. Her work has been supported by grants from the British Academy, AHRC, and the Leverhulme Trust. Walsham has authored award-winning books like Providence in Early Modern England and The Reformation of the Landscape , and edited volumes on topics such as archives, memory, and confessional history. She has delivered prestigious lectures including the Ford Lectures at Oxford (2018) and the Wiles Lectures at Queen’s University Belfast (2024). Her professional service includes editorial roles for Past and Present and the Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History series. She led the AHRC-funded 'Remembering the Reformation' project (2016-2019) and chairs the Early Modern Section of the British Academy. Awarded a CBE in 2017 and an honorary doctorate from Melbourne in 2023, Walsham’s work bridges academic rigor and public engagement, influencing both scholarly discourse and historical education.

• Early Modern British History
• Religious History
• Cultural History
• +5 more

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 .

• Supernatural History
• Environmental History
• Folklore
• +5 more

Lars Laamann is a Lecturer at the School of History, Religions and Philosophies, SOAS University of London. His research focuses on the historical interplay between religion, colonialism, and cultural exchange in East Asia, with particular emphasis on Christianity in China and Mongolian religious traditions. He maintains an active research profile as evidenced by his publication record spanning from 1996 to 2025. Dr. Laamann's primary research interests include: The historical development of Christianity in China from the Qing Dynasty to modern times Mongolian religious syncretism and its political implications Protestant and Catholic missionary strategies in Southeast Asia Orthodox Christianity's role in contemporary geopolitical conflicts Colonial-era religious encounters and their sociocultural impacts His scholarly publications demonstrate consistent focus on religious encounters in East Asia, with recent works exploring Orthodox Christianity in conflict zones (Ethiopia/Ukraine), memory studies in Chinese Christianity, and missionary history. The publication trends show increasing attention to comparative religious analysis across different Asian contexts. Dr. Laamann has supervised several doctoral students researching topics including: Qing Dynasty state formation and religious policy (J. Lu) Republican China's communication infrastructure (L.-C. Chen) Cross-cultural encounters in early Qing Empire (W. Kang) Economic transformations in Mongolia (S. Shan) He serves as editor for the Central Asiatic Journal and participates in collaborative research projects examining Orthodox Christianity's political dimensions.

• History of Christianity in China
• Mongolian Religious History
• Missionary Studies
• +3 more

Jonathan Lanman is a Professor of Cognitive Anthropology at Queen's University Belfast, affiliated with the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics and the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. He holds a DPhil (Oxford), MSc (Oxford), MA (Missouri), and BA (Southeast Missouri State). His research focuses on the scientific study of religion, with two main strands: atheism/secularization and religious identity/ritual. Lanman integrates cognitive, evolutionary, and social science theories with ethnographic methods, emphasizing international contexts including the North Atlantic and Japan. **Education**: DPhil in Anthropology (Oxford), MSc in Anthropology (Oxford), MA in Religious Studies (Missouri), BA in Anthropology (Southeast Missouri State). **Affiliations**: Assistant Director of the Institute of Cognition and Culture; former Departmental Lecturer and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Oxford; Visiting Fellow at UBC. **Grants**: Lead on £2.3m "Understanding Unbelief" (Templeton Foundation) and £3.2m "Ritual, Community, and Conflict" (ESRC). **Awards**: Distinguished Fellow (Aarhus), President of the International Association for Cognitive Science of Religion. **Research Interests**: Atheism origins and societal distribution, cognitive biases in secularization, ritual-induced group cohesion, and self-sacrificial behavior. Notable projects include "Explaining Atheism" and analyzing CREDs (credibility-enhancing displays) in religious authority. **Media Engagement**: Featured in BBC, The Times, Newsweek Japan, and podcasts like The Religious Studies Project. **Supervision**: Open to PhDs in cognitive anthropology of religion/atheism. **Labs/Teams**: Leads the Institute of Cognition and Culture and collaborates internationally on projects like the Non-Religion and Secularity Research Network.

• Cognitive Anthropology of Religion
• Cognitive Anthropology of Atheism
• Secularization
• +3 more

Gabriel Moshenska is an Associate Professor in Public Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. He serves as Departmental Graduate Tutor, Chair of GRSSC, and Deputy Chair of the Departmental Research Committee. As Editor-in-Chief of Public Archaeology , he plays a significant role in shaping discourse in the field. Education: PhD in Archaeology, University College London (2009) MA in Archaeology, University College London (2005) BSc in Archaeology, University College London (2004) Moshenska's research spans three interconnected domains: conflict archaeology examining WWII and post-colonial conflicts; public archaeology focusing on community collaboration and critical heritage studies; and the history of archaeology, particularly the work of antiquarian Thomas Pettigrew. His work often explores the intersection of material culture, memory, and the senses in contemporary contexts. His recent publications reveal a trend toward examining the intersection of archaeology with contemporary culture, including digital media, urban landscapes, and unconventional heritage sites. His work connects historical archaeology with present-day concerns about memory, heritage, and public engagement, often through interdisciplinary approaches that bridge archaeology with folklore, literature, and social theory. Scientific Awards: Leverhulme Trust Early Career Research Fellowship (2009-2012) Moshenska actively supervises graduate students across various programs at UCL, particularly in the MA Public Archaeology program which he coordinates. His research has been supported by prestigious fellowships and grants, enabling fieldwork in Spain, Finland, Kenya, and the UK, where he conducts collaborative archaeology projects with local communities. While not leading a formal laboratory, Moshenska works within collaborative networks across multiple countries, engaging with community groups, heritage organizations, and academic partners to explore unconventional archaeological sites and practices.

• Conflict Archaeology
• Public Archaeology
• Community Archaeology
• +7 more

Carl Watkins is a Professor of British History at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with Magdalene College where he directs studies in history. His research focuses on medieval religious culture, particularly beliefs about the supernatural, theological concepts like purgatory, and the interplay between 'high' theology and popular religious practices. He supervises M.Phil and PhD students in medieval British and European religious and political history. His teaching spans British political, religious, and social history from c.1000–1500 CE, alongside European history from c.900–1250. Key publications include History and the Supernatural in Medieval England (2007) and The Undiscovered Country (2013), which explore medieval perceptions of the afterlife and supernatural phenomena. Recent work addresses medieval wonder stories and the cultural significance of death and the dead. Watkins has contributed to edited volumes on topics like medieval providence, landscape and belief, and the historiography of medieval social structures. His research bridges textual analysis with methodological inquiry, emphasizing how medieval people conceptualized divine intervention and the spiritual realm.

• Medieval History
• Religious History
• Supernatural Beliefs
• +3 more

Eamonn O Ciardha is a Reader in Irish/English Literary & Historical Studies at Ulster University's School of Arts & Humanities, Derry~Londonderry campus. His work intersects Irish history, literature, and cultural studies, with a focus on Jacobite resistance, Penal laws, and migration narratives. Research themes include Irish Catholicism, early modern literature, and Brexit border dynamics Recipient of British Academy Major Studentship (1992) Organized conferences on Irish Studies in Europe Active in public engagement through media commentary Advisor to PhD researchers Darren Graham and Antonio Mileo Recent publications explore the Oxford History of the Irish Book, environmental studies of the Foyle river, and Irish poetry anthologies. His academic work contributes to UN SDGs related to cultural preservation and societal progress.

• Irish Studies
• Historical Studies
• Literary Analysis
• +3 more

Francesca Leoni is a Research Fellow and curator at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Oxford. She specializes in Islamic art with a focus on cross-cultural exchanges, occult sciences, and modern Middle Eastern art. Her roles include being the Yousef Jameel Curator of Islamic Art (2011–16) and Research Associate at the Khalili Research Centre. She has held teaching and curatorial positions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Rice University. Education: Laurea Degree in Oriental Languages and Civilizations from Istituto Universitario L’Orientale di Napoli (1999), MA and PhD from Princeton University (2005, 2008) Her research interests span book arts, cross-cultural interactions between the Islamic world and Europe/Asia, circulation of technologies, occultism, and contemporary Middle Eastern art. She has received grants from the Leverhulme Trust, Barakat Trust, Art Fund, and British Institute for Persian Studies. Recent publications explore Islamicate occult sciences, Sufi talismans, and mystical art. Her work bridges historical analysis with modern artistic interpretations, emphasizing themes like the supernatural, poetic imagery, and cultural authenticity. Notable collaborations include co-editing Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice (Brill, 2020) and curating the 2016 exhibition Power and Protection: Islamic Art and the Supernatural . She has contributed to international journals and museum catalogues.

• Islamic Art
• Cross-cultural Exchanges
• History of Technologies
• +2 more

Professor Darren Oldridge is a faculty member at the University of Worcester, specializing in Early Modern History. He holds the academic rank of Professor within the Department of History, Politics and Sociology, part of the Institute of Arts and Humanities. His research focuses on the religious and supernatural contexts of sixteenth and seventeenth-century England, including witchcraft, demonology, and the Devil's role in Tudor and Stuart society. He is also engaged with interdisciplinary topics such as the relationship between poetry, film, and historical narratives. Education includes a BA (Hons) in History from the University of Nottingham and a PhD in History from the University of Warwick. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Current projects include writing a book on early modern English demonology (2025) and editing the fourth edition of The Witchcraft Reader (2028). He leads a public engagement initiative exploring tactile experiences with seventeenth-century printed books, inviting participants to physically interact with historical texts and reflect on their significance. Research Interests: Religious history of the English Civil Wars Supernatural beliefs in early modern Europe Cultural history of witchcraft and the Devil Interdisciplinary studies of poetry and film Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Advising and grants details are not explicitly mentioned. No formal advisees are listed. His work bridges historical scholarship with public humanities through collaborative projects and publications.

• Religious History
• Witchcraft Studies
• Supernatural Beliefs
• +4 more

Jesse Elvin is a Lecturer in Law at The City Law School, City St George's, University of London. He holds a PhD, LLM, and BA in Law from the University of London and has previously taught at the London School of Economics and University College London. He serves as the Research Ethics Director of The City Law School and is a member of the Senate Research Ethics Committee. PhD in Law, University of London (2005) LLM in Law (Merit), University of London (1995) BA in Law and Anthropology, University of London (1994) Associate Fellow, Higher Education Academy Dr Elvin's research and teaching focus on criminal law, tort law, and contract law. His work explores complex issues such as consent in sexual offences, causation in legal responsibility, occupational stress claims, and moral panics in criminal justice. He has published extensively in leading journals including the Cambridge Law Journal , Modern Law Review , and Criminal Law Review . His recent publications show a sustained engagement with criminal responsibility, private prosecutions, and the legal treatment of controversial social phenomena like witchcraft allegations. His 15 most recent articles span criminal law, tort law, legal education, and media regulation. They reveal a consistent scholarly interest in the boundaries of legal responsibility, the role of consent, and the interaction between law and societal values. Key themes include judicial bias, moral luck, and the ethical dimensions of prosecution and harm. Dr Elvin has received multiple awards and recognitions: Learning Development Project award (£8,000) and Enhanced Learning Project award (£7,000) from LDC (2009–10) Nominated for Academic Impact Award (Teaching), City, University of London (2017–18) Nominated for Student Voice Award, City University London (2008–09) London School of Economics Law Departmental Teaching Prize (2002–03) Parsons Visitor at University of Sydney (2008) He has advised PhD student Alex Antoniou and has been actively involved in curriculum development and legal education research. Dr Elvin has served as an external examiner for the University of Hertfordshire and the University of South Wales. He regularly presents at national and international conferences, including the Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference and events in Greece, Jersey, and Hong Kong. As Research Ethics Director, he plays a key role in overseeing ethical standards in legal research at the university.

• Criminal Law
• Tort Law
• Contract Law
• +7 more

Professor Corinne Saunders holds a faculty position in the Department of English Studies at Durham University, where she also serves as Member of the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Co-Lead of the Affective Experience Lab within the Institute for Medical Humanities, and Co-Director of the Centre for Medical Humanities. Her academic profile bridges literary scholarship with medical humanities through institutional leadership roles. Her research centers on medieval literature with specialized focus on romance writing, medical humanities, and affect theory. Key interests include historical intersections of mind/body concepts, women's writing in medieval contexts, and old French/Middle English literary traditions. Current work examines affective experiences in medieval thought through interdisciplinary medical humanities frameworks. Publication trends reveal sustained exploration of magic's role in medieval romance alongside growing engagement with medical humanities. Recent works demonstrate methodological evolution toward collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects examining voice, breath, and beauty through historical lenses, particularly in Wellcome Trust-funded initiatives. Her scientific recognition includes: Leverhulme Research Fellowship Professor Saunders has secured significant research funding as Co-Investigator for the Wellcome Trust's 'Hearing the Voice' project and Collaborator on the 'Life of Breath' initiative, alongside AHRC-funded monograph support. She actively mentors postgraduate researchers specializing in medieval literary topics. She co-directs the Centre for Medical Humanities and leads the Affective Experience Lab, driving interdisciplinary research that connects literary analysis with medical and psychological inquiry through institutional platforms.

• medieval literature
• history of ideas
• medical humanities
• +4 more

Dr. Julian Holloway is a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at Manchester Metropolitan University, specializing in the intersections of sound, religion, and the supernatural. He has been at MMU since 1998, contributing extensively to teaching and research. His work bridges academic rigor with creative practice, including sound engineering and music production through his company High Peak Recordings. Research Interests : Julian's research focuses on three core areas: Geographies of religion/spirituality/occult Sonic apprehension of space and place Spectral geography/haunting/monstrosity He employs innovative methods like soundwalks and participatory sonic ethnography, connecting theoretical work to practical projects such as MASSmcr (Music and Sound Studies Manchester) and the Rural Eerie sound art collaboration. Teaching : Julian teaches modules including Visual and Sonic Geographies, Cultural Geography, and Research Design. He emphasizes student choice in assessments, fostering independent learning. Current teaching units include: Professional Geographer Fieldwork and Research Design Cultural Geography Supervision & Impact : Julian has supervised 6 completed PhDs and currently guides two students exploring sound's role in supernatural experiences and urban soundscapes. His work engages public audiences through podcasts (RAH! Podcast), festivals (Gothic Manchester), and media commentary on dark tourism. Labs/Teams : Collaborates with interdisciplinary groups like MASSmcr and the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies, producing events like the 'Rural Eerie' album and sonic installations.

• Religious Geography
• Sound Studies
• Spectral Geography
• +6 more

Dr. Regine May is Associate Professor in Latin Language and Literature at the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. She is actively engaged in research and teaching in Latin literature, ancient drama, and the Latin novel, particularly Apuleius and Petronius, with a strong focus on intertextuality and classical reception. Her educational background includes a degree in Latin and English from the University of Trier, a year at Jesus College, Oxford, and a DPhil from Corpus Christi College, Oxford. She previously held academic positions at the Universities of Manchester, Durham, and Merton College, Oxford, before joining Leeds in 2006. Her research interests span ancient drama , Latin novel , Apuleius , Petronius , Plautus , reception of classics , women in ancient literature , and ancient medicine . She has published extensively, including major works such as Apuleius and Drama: The Ass on Stage (2006), a lemmatised concordance on Cornelius Nepos (2006), and a commentary on Apuleius Metamorphoses Book 1 (2013). She is currently completing an edited volume on the reception of Cupid and Psyche and co-authoring another on Apuleius’ reception, alongside a new translation of Cupid and Psyche . The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on classical reception, intertextuality, and narrative structure in Latin prose, particularly Apuleius. Her scholarly output bridges philology, literary theory, and gender studies, with increasing attention to the modern legacy of ancient myths. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned. Dr. May has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students on topics including Latin epic, ancient magic, Apuleius, Thyestes in drama, and witchcraft. She teaches advanced Latin language, Latin poetry, Roman comedy, and reception of Classics. She is affiliated with research groups in Classics , Gender , Theatre, Music and Performance , and Centre for World Literatures . She welcomes PhD enquiries and is involved in postgraduate research supervision and curriculum development. She is also active in scholarly communication with profiles on ORCID and Twitter .

• Latin Literature
• Ancient Drama
• Roman Comedy
• +12 more