Alastair Gornall

Dr. Alastair Gornall is an Associate Professor in History and Religion at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and Associate Head of HASS (Research & Faculty Affairs). He is also a Research Associate in the Department of Languages and Cultures of South Asia at SOAS, University of London. His research focuses on the intellectual and cultural history of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia, with a particular emphasis on Pali literature and monastic reform.

Education:

• PhD in South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge (2013)
• MA in Study of Religions, SOAS, University of London (2009, Distinction)
• BA in Study of Religions, SOAS, University of London (2008, 1st Class Hons.)

Research Interests:

• Intellectual and cultural history of Buddhism
• Medieval Pali literary theory
• Monastic reform movements in Sri Lanka
• South and Southeast Asian religious studies

His work bridges historical analysis, textual criticism, and digital humanities. He co-leads SUTD’s digital humanities minor program, integrating computational methods into humanities education.

Awards & Grants:

• Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Research Fellowship (2018)
• SUTD Pedagogy Research Grant (2014)
• Rapson Scholarship, University of Cambridge (2009–2012)

Advising & Grants:

• Active in mentoring students in Buddhist studies and digital humanities
• Recipient of grants supporting research into Pali literature and monastic history

Labs/Teams: Leads the digital humanities initiative at SUTD, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists and humanities scholars.