معرفی
Francois Guesnet is Professor of Modern Jewish History at the Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies, University College London (UCL). He is a leading scholar in early modern and 19th-century Polish Jewish history, with a strong record of editorial leadership and international academic collaboration.
Education:
- PhD in Modern History, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (1996)
- Staatsexamen, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (1991)
Research Interests:
His current research spans Jewish political tradition (shtadlanut), Jewish autonomy in Eastern Europe, the legacy of Sir Moses Montefiore, the history of antisemitism, and the history of the body (notably Plica polonica). He also explores the intersection of religion and society in Jewish contexts, particularly in Poland and Eastern Europe.
Publications and Research Trends:
His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on Polish Jewish history, self-governance, memory, and cultural identity. He has co-edited and contributed to numerous volumes of Polin: Studies in Polish Jewry, and his work often bridges archival research with contemporary cultural and historical reflection. His articles span from detailed historical analysis to broader interpretive essays on Jewish life and memory in Eastern Europe.
Scientific Awards and Honors:
While no specific awards are listed, his extensive editorial and advisory roles across top-tier journals and institutions serve as recognition of his scholarly leadership.
Editorial and Advisory Roles:
- Co-chair, Editorial Board, Polin: Studies in Polish Jewry
- Chairman, Institute for Polish-Jewish Studies (IPJS)
- Member, Executive Committee, European Association for Jewish Studies (EAJS)
- Editorial Board Member, Eastern European Jewish Affairs
- Advisory Board Member, Scripta Judaica Cracoviensia
- Reviewer, Journal of Jewish Studies (Oxford)
Teaching and Supervision:
At UCL, he teaches and convenes courses including Religion, State, and Society, Sources, Methods, Skills, History of the Jews in Poland, and Metropolitan Life: Jews and the City. He also leads the MA Core Course, contributing to graduate training in Jewish Studies.
Labs, Teams, and Collaborations:
He is embedded in a wide academic network, with previous affiliations including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Leipzig University, University of Pennsylvania, Potsdam University, University of Oxford, Dartmouth College, Jagiellonian University, and Vilnius University. His collaboration network spans Europe, the US, and Israel, fostering interdisciplinary research in Jewish history and culture.
