Tom Sykes

Tom Sykes is an Associate Professor in Creative Writing and Global Journalism at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries and the School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies. He holds a PhD from Goldsmiths, University of London (2018) and a BA in English and American Literature from the University of East Anglia (2001). His research intersects history, literature, and journalism, with a focus on the Philippines, postcolonial studies, and critical media analysis.

Key affiliations include the Revolution Plastics Institute and the Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and serves on the editorial boards of Media Asia and Studies in Travel Writing. Sykes contributes regularly to outlets like Private Eye, New Statesman, and Travel Africa, blending academic rigor with public-facing journalism.

Research interests span creative nonfiction, travel writing, conspiracy theories, memory studies, and ecocriticism. His monograph Imagining Manila critiques Western representations of the Philippines, while recent work explores Southeast Asian geopolitics, arms trade ethics, and the Rohingya genocide. He co-edits the hyperlocal news site Star & Crescent, fostering community engagement in Portsmouth.

Awarded the 2022 Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Excellence, Sykes emphasizes student mentorship and public scholarship. He leads projects like Supernatural Cities and Portsmyth, examining urban narratives and cultural identity. His interdisciplinary approach bridges academia and activism, addressing global issues through localized storytelling.