Joanna Grela

Joanna Grela is a Professor at the Department of Comparative Civilization Studies within the Faculty of Philosophy at Jagiellonian University (UJ) in Kraków, Poland. She holds habilitation in cultural studies (2016, SWPS University, Warsaw), a doctorate in religious studies (2004, Jagiellonian University), and is a certified Tibetologist (2000, INALCO, Paris). Her academic credentials also include an MA in philosophy (1996, Jagiellonian University) and postgraduate studies in gender (2009, Jagiellonian University).

Her educational background includes:

• 2004: PhD in Humanities in religious studies, Jagiellonian University
• 2000: Diplôme Unilingue de Langue et Civilization Orientales de Tibétain, Institut National des Langues et Civilizations Orientales (INALCO), Paris
• 1996: Master of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University
• 2009: Postgraduate studies in gender, Jagiellonian University

Professor Grela's research focuses on Tibetan, Himalayan, and Mongolian cultures, with particular emphasis on pre-Buddhist cults and their contemporary representations in popular culture, societal transformations, Tibetan ethnic and cultural identity, cultural stereotypes, and the comparative anthropology of Buddhism. Her work bridges religious studies, cultural anthropology, and Tibetan studies, examining both historical traditions and their modern adaptations. She has made significant contributions to understanding how traditional Buddhist practices interact with contemporary social contexts, digital technologies, and global cultural flows.

Her scholarly output reveals consistent engagement with Tibetan religious culture, Buddhist textual traditions, and the adaptation of Buddhist practices in modern contexts. She has extensively explored the relationship between pre-Buddhist traditions and contemporary religious practices, the role of deities in Tibetan Buddhism, and the transformation of Buddhist thought in different cultural settings including Thailand and Poland. Her more recent work addresses how Buddhism is adapting to digital environments and contemporary social challenges.

Her notable achievements include:

• 2017: Pro Arte Docendi Award from the Rector of Jagiellonian University
• Multiple teaching awards (2011/12, 2012/13, 2014/15)
• Membership in the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU)
• Collaboration with the Centre d'Etudes Himalayennes CNRS

Professor Grela has led significant research projects including 'The impact of secularization and schooling on socio-religious relations between ritual specialists and the lay community in the Rebkong region' (2018-2020) and 'The Common Buddhist Text Project' (2009-2016). Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to both scholarly research and teaching excellence, with numerous publications spanning academic journals, edited volumes, and encyclopedia entries. She maintains active international collaboration and has presented her research at conferences across Europe and Asia.