معرفی
Rev Dr Richard Conrad OP serves as an Official Fellow and Lector at Blackfriars Hall, a Permanent Private Hall of the University of Oxford, and is an active member of the University's Faculty of Theology. He examines Master of Theology (MTh) degrees and previously directed the Aquinas Institute (2014-2020) after serving as Vice-Regent of Studies at Blackfriars. His academic career spans decades within the Dominican Order, integrating theological scholarship with ecclesiastical service.
His educational background includes a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge (earned prior to joining the Dominicans in 1979) and a license in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. This dual expertise informs his interdisciplinary approach to theological questions.
Conrad's research centers on Thomistic theology, with deep engagement in dogmatic theology, sacramental theology, moral theology, and liturgical studies. His work consistently explores St. Thomas Aquinas's thought on the Trinity, virtue ethics, and Christology, while bridging historical theology with contemporary issues in science, economics, and pastoral practice. He emphasizes practical applications of Aquinas's insights for modern ethical dilemmas and liturgical life.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals sustained interdisciplinary exploration across theology, philosophy, and social sciences. From 2018-2023, he has examined Aquinas's relevance to economics, legal theory, death rituals, and Trinitarian anthropology, demonstrating remarkable versatility in applying Thomistic principles to diverse fields while maintaining theological coherence.
No scientific awards or major honors are documented in the source material. His academic leadership includes directing a decade-long MA in Catholic Theology at the Maryvale Institute and serving as external examiner for Oscott College's theology programs. While specific research grants aren't detailed, his editorship of special journal issues indicates significant scholarly collaboration.
Conrad remains integral to the Aquinas Institute at Blackfriars, which promotes Thomistic scholarship through publications and academic events. His ecclesiastical roles extend to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference Liturgical Formation Sub-Committee, directly connecting his academic work to the liturgical life of the Church in England and Wales.
