Aidan Byrne

Aidan Byrne is a Senior Lecturer and Subject Leader in English Literature at the University of Wolverhampton, where he has been since 2008. He holds a PhD in English from the University of Wolverhampton (2008), alongside a PGC in Further and Higher Education and degrees from Bangor University (BA, 1996; MA, 1999). His research focuses on Welsh literatures and cultures, popular culture (including analyses of Doctor Who, Star Trek, and erotic fan fiction), and the intersection of politics and literature, particularly through his AHRC-funded project Novel Perceptions.

Teaching includes modules on Shakespeare, Children’s Literature, and Populist Texts. He supervises PhD students exploring topics like Zelda Fitzgerald, biblical influences on political speech, and urban gothic romance. He serves as an External Examiner for Swansea University’s MA in Welsh Writing and Edge Hill’s BA English. Professional roles include secretary of the Universities and Colleges Union (City Campus branch) and the Association for Welsh Writing in English.

Research interests span Welsh literature, political novels, and cultural studies. Notable publications include analyses of mirror universes in sci-fi TV, neoliberalism in fan fiction, and working-class Welsh novels. His work bridges historical and contemporary cultural studies, with grants supporting projects on inclusive literary canons and politicians’ novels.

• Grants: AHRC funding for Novel Perceptions and Politicians Novels projects.
• Labs/Teams: Co-investigator on Novel Perceptions, active in the Association for Welsh Writing in English.