معرفی
Dr. Simonetta Calderini is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Research in Society, Culture, and Social Change, affiliated with the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at SOAS University of London. Her research and teaching focus on Islamic Studies, particularly Shiism and Ismailism, Islam and Gender, and Religion and Human Rights. She earned her PhD from SOAS in 1991 and has been recognized with a Teaching Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (2016) and a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship from the Oriental Institute, University of Naples (1995-7).
- PhD, SOAS University of London
- Teaching Fellow (2016), Higher Education Academy, UK
- Post-doctoral Fellowship (1995-7), Oriental Institute, University of Naples
Her research explores intersections of cosmology and religious hierarchies in medieval Islam, notably through her work on female prayer leadership. Her monograph Women as Imams (2021/2022) and co-authored book with Delia Cortese on Women and the Fatimids (2006) are pivotal contributions. She has secured grants such as the AHRC study leave (2008) and AHRB study leave (2003-4), the latter rated 'A' for excellence.
Calderini’s scholarly activities include invited lectures at institutions like Università di Napoli l'Orientale (2023) and King’s College London (2023), alongside media engagements such as BBC World Service (2018) and New Books Network podcasts (2021). She serves on the advisory board of BRAIS and collaborates with networks like AMEWS and MESA.
Scientific Awards
- Southlands Methodist Trust Fund (2018)
Her recent publications analyze themes like female Imams in historical contexts, Quranic interpretations, and Fatimid architectural patronage. She actively supervises PhD students and contributes to interdisciplinary studies of Muslim Middle East history.
