Matt Ffytche

Professor Matt Ffytche is a prominent academic in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Essex. He serves as Editor of Psychoanalysis and History and has held prestigious fellowships at institutions like the Neubauer Collegium (University of Chicago) and the National Center for the Humanities. His research focuses on the history of psychoanalysis, its intersections with social sciences and literature, and critical engagements with concepts like the 'imaginary' and 'outsider writing.'

Key research projects include Humans in Fantasy (exploring the 'imaginary' in social sciences) and Outsider Writing (analyzing texts by individuals diagnosed with psychosis). His work bridges psychoanalysis with critical theory, modernist literature, and historical analysis. Recent publications include Sigmund Freud (2022) and articles on topics ranging from psychoanalytic historiography to the Frankfurt School's engagement with psychoanalysis.

Awarded grants include the British Academy-funded Writing out of this World (2025) and European Commission projects on antiracist psychoanalysis and clinical anthropology. He supervises doctoral research in psychoanalytic history, critical theory, and modernist literature.

Teaching includes modules on psychosocial theory, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and research methods. His academic leadership roles include serving as Head of Department (2015-2018) and Director of Graduate Studies. Collaborative research groups include the Essex History of Psychoanalysis team.