Stefan Hanß

Professor Stefan Hanß is a leading scholar in Early Modern History at the University of Manchester, specializing in material culture, global history, and cultural encounters. He serves as Deputy Director and Scientific Lead of the John Rylands Research Institute (2023–2025). His work bridges humanities and sciences, employing advanced imaging and scientific analysis to study historical artifacts. Notable contributions include research on early modern featherwork, hair cultures, and the material Renaissance.

Education: PhD from Freie Universität Berlin, with studies at the Warburg Institute (London) and Venice. Postdoctoral roles included positions at the University of Cambridge and Research Centre Gotha.

Research focuses on material creativity, colonial encounters, and interdisciplinary methodologies. Key projects include analyzing alchemical artifacts with SEM microscopy and studying hair’s role in Reformation Germany. Awards include the Philip Leverhulme Prize and British Academy Engagement Award.

Teaching spans early modern European history, material culture, and palaeography. Current courses include ‘Material Encounters in the Early Modern World’ and ‘The Stuff of History: Objects Across Borders’. Supervised numerous PhD students, many funded by AHRC and ESRC.

Leadership roles include Treasurer of the German History Society and editorial positions at Cambridge Elements ‘Material Culture History’ and Huntington Library Quarterly.