معرفی
Peter Kevern serves as Professor of Values in Health and Social Care at Staffordshire University, UK, where he is a member of the Centre for Health and Development and Head of the Graduate School overseeing doctoral programs. His academic leadership bridges theological understanding with practical healthcare applications.
Professor Kevern earned his BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences from the University of East Anglia (1980), followed by a BD with Distinction in Theology from the University of Birmingham (1996), a PhD in Theology of Anglican Unity-in-Diversity from Birmingham (1999), and a PGCertFHE from the University of Gloucestershire (2001). Before entering academia, he spent six years working with a church-based NGO in rural Papua New Guinea.
His research centers on the intersection of religion, spirituality, and dementia care, exploring theological dimensions of dementia, spiritual needs of people with dementia and their carers, and the potential of religious communities as 'dementia-friendly' centers. Recent work has expanded to examine how faith-based organizations can address broader social care needs for aging populations, with collaborations spanning the UK, Norway, and Brazil. He is particularly interested in how religious communities can contribute to public health gains through holistic approaches that address meaning, value, identity, and belonging alongside physical health concerns.
Analysis of Professor Kevern's recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary focus bridging theology, healthcare, and social sciences, with increasing attention to cross-cultural perspectives, particularly regarding Pakistani Muslim communities in the UK. His work spans empirical research, theological reflection, and practical interventions to build dementia-friendly religious communities.
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Editorial Board member for Journal for the Study of Spirituality
- Chair of Trustees for Age Concern (Birmingham)
- Member of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality
Professor Kevern supervises seven PhD students across diverse topics at the intersection of spirituality, religion, and healthcare. His teaching focuses on PhD supervision, Master's dissertations, undergraduate projects, and research ethics. He actively develops international collaborations to advance discourse on health, wellbeing, and the role of faith communities in care provision, bringing together statutory providers, businesses, third sector organizations, and religious communities to work on shared goals.
