David Roas Deus

David Roas Deus is a full Professor of Literary Theory and Comparative Literature at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where he is a leading figure in the study of fantastic and horror literature. He is affiliated with the Department of Filology, Communication and Documentation and directs the Group of Studies on the Fantastic (GEF), a research group dedicated to the academic exploration of the fantastic in narrative. His work bridges creative writing and literary criticism, making him a key intellectual in contemporary Spanish letters.

• Ph.D. in Literary Theory, Autonomous University of Barcelona

His research centers on the theoretical foundations of the fantastic, particularly its philosophical and cognitive dimensions. He investigates how fantastic narratives disrupt perception of reality, provoke metaphysical anxiety, and challenge literary norms. His interests span from 19th-century Spanish literature to modern speculative fiction, with a special focus on horror, the short story, and narrative ambiguity. He argues that the fantastic is not merely about fear, but about the collapse of epistemological certainty.

The analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent engagement with the boundaries between reality and fiction, the psychology of the impossible, and the historical evolution of the fantastic in Hispanic culture. His works combine theoretical rigor with creative insight, often blurring the line between criticism and narrative. The keywords across his articles reflect deep interdisciplinary engagement with philosophy, cultural history, and cognitive studies.

His scientific recognition includes the Setenil Award (2011) for best short story collection and the 4th Málaga Essay Prize. These awards highlight his dual excellence in both creative and academic writing. His works have been translated and disseminated internationally, particularly in Latin America and Portugal.

David Roas has supervised numerous research projects and leads the GEF research group, fostering collaboration among scholars of the fantastic. While specific grant details are not listed, his extensive publication record and editorial leadership suggest sustained research funding and institutional support. He has also edited major anthologies and critical collections, contributing to the academic legitimization of the fantastic genre in Spain.

He is the director of the Group of Studies on the Fantastic (GEF) at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, a hub for interdisciplinary research on speculative narratives. The group promotes conferences, publications, and international collaborations, positioning Roas at the center of a growing academic network focused on the fantastic in literature and culture.