Roberta Kwan

Dr. Roberta Kwan is an Honorary Associate at the Medieval and Early Modern Centre within the School of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney. Her research bridges early modern English literature, theology, philosophy, and theatre, with a particular focus on Shakespearean studies and the philosophy of literary education.

• Education: MA (University of Sydney), PhD (Macquarie University)

Research Interests: Dr. Kwan explores intersections between Shakespearean drama and theological/philosophical frameworks, examining how Reformation-era hermeneutics inform modern debates about selfhood, agency, and epistemology. Her current project investigates 'Shakespeare and neighbourliness' through ethical and religious lenses.

Recent Publications: Her 2023 monograph Shakespeare, the Reformation and the Interpreting Self (Edinburgh University Press) was shortlisted for the Australian University Heads of English Prize. She also contributed entries to the Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception and has peer-reviewed articles in English Studies and other journals.

Scientific Awards:

• Folger Shakespeare Institute Short-term Scholarly Research Fellow (2024-25)
• ANZAMEMS Early Career Fellowship (2023) for 'Ancient Ethic for Uncertain Times'
• Australian Academy of the Humanities Travelling Fellowship (2018)

Media & Public Engagement: Dr. Kwan has contributed public commentary on Shakespeare's relevance to contemporary ethics, including articles in ABC Religion & Ethics and the Folger Shakespeare Library's The Collation.