Katherine V. Gough is Professor of Human Geography at Lund University, Sweden, with a 30-year research focus on housing/home, work/entrepreneurship, youth/elderly geographies, mobility, urbanisation, and climate change across Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. She collaborates with Loughborough University's Clear Climate team on extreme heat mitigation in Ghana and leads the 'Trocha de Paz' project for Colombia's 'Total Peace' agenda. Research Themes Extreme Heat in Ghana Peacebuilding in Colombia Rural-Urban Dynamics Her multidisciplinary approach bridges academia, policy, and communities through projects like VEWEC, REFIT, and Paz Alto Cauca. Current work emphasizes: Climate-resilient housing design Post-conflict governance Informal sector innovation Scientific Engagement: British Academy funded VEWEC and REFIT projects Principal Investigator for Trocha de Paz (Colombia) Her collaborative research strengthens stakeholder networks in: West African urban livelihoods Colombian territorial peacebuilding Tropical climate adaptation
Dr. Thomas Brodie is an Assistant Professor in 20th Century European History at the Department of History, University of Birmingham. His academic career spans prestigious institutions including Oxford University, University of Leeds, and Jesus College, Oxford before joining Birmingham in 2018. Education: DPhil in History (The University of Oxford, 2014) MSt in Modern British and European History (The University of Oxford, 2010) BA in History (The University of Oxford, 2009) Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2020) Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (University of Birmingham, 2020) Dr. Brodie specializes in Modern European history with particular focus on Germany during the Nazi era and post-war periods. His research examines the intersection of religion, society, and war, with special attention to Catholic communities in Germany during WWII and the subsequent evolution of mourning practices and memory culture. His work combines theological analysis with social and cultural history using previously unused archival materials from church, state, and private collections. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory from examining wartime religious communities to post-war memory practices, showing his evolving scholarly interests in how societies process mass bereavement and construct collective memory. The articles primarily focus on German religious history during and after WWII, with increasing attention to spatial dimensions of mourning and commemoration. Scientific Awards: Runner-up award for the Wiener Library's Fraenkel Prize (2014) AHRC award for doctoral research Hanseatic Scholarship for archival research in Berlin and German cities Dr. Brodie teaches a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses including 'The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich' and 'Life After Death: Culture, Memory and Power in Postwar Europe.' He supervises BA dissertations and welcomes PhD students working on Modern German history or thematic interests in religion, war, and memory in European contexts since 1800. His current research project examines German society's responses to bereavement during WWII and its aftermaths through personal diaries, letters, artistic representations, and war memorials.
Costanza Beltrami is a Senior Lecturer at Stockholm University in the Department of Culture and Aesthetics. She is a dedicated art historian with a focus on Gothic art and architecture of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, particularly in the Spanish region of Castile and its international connections. Her research interests include architectural drawings, collaboration, transculturation, and temporality in architecture. Dr. Beltrami teaches courses on Medieval and Renaissance art and architecture from Cordoba to Florence. Her academic background includes studying Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London and working at the University of Oxford/St Catherine's College before joining Stockholm University. Her research has focused on late-Gothic architecture, including a monumental drawing of a tower from Rouen cathedral and ornament prints as artists' models. She is Reviews Editor for the Journal of the British Archaeological Association and has completed her PhD thesis on Juan Guas (active 1453–1496), the leading architect of late fifteenth-century Spain. She is currently working on a book project about collaboration, artistic identity, and the geographies of exchange in late-Gothic Castile. Her co-edited volume "Art, Travel and Exchange between Iberia and Global Geographies, 11400–1550" challenges traditional narratives about Iberian art history and emphasizes multi-directional cultural exchange. Dr. Beltrami's recent research includes editing a special issue on portable drawings and paper in Medieval and Gothic architecture. Her work explores how architectural practices in Castile demonstrate fascinating questions regarding migrant networks, cultural contact, the meanings of architecture, and the role of art in debates on national identity from the 15th century to the present.
Joanna Pawlik is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Art History at the University of Sussex, within the School of Media, Arts and Humanities. Her research focuses on modern art and literature, emphasizing transnationalism, avant-gardism, and protest movements. She has been funded by prestigious grants like the Leverhulme Trust and the AHRC. Her 2021 monograph Remade in America , awarded the MSA First Book Prize, examines Surrealism's role in American activism post-1940. Current research explores fascist iconography in American art (1945–1980), funded by a Leverhulme Fellowship. Education: PhD in Art History, University of Sussex (2003–2008) MA in Art History, York University, Canada (2021–2022) BA Hons in Art History, University of East Anglia (2018–2021) Research Interests: Her work investigates surrealism's transnational legacies, anti-fascist art, feminist/queer methodologies, and postwar American visual culture. She examines how surrealist principles intersect with race, gender, class, and activism in movements like the Beat Generation and Black Arts Movement. Grants & Awards: Leverhulme Research Fellowship (2020–2022) Leverhulme Trust Grant 'Radical America: Afterlives' (2016) MSA First Book Prize (2021) Professional Activities: Co-director of the SAVAnT Doctoral School promoting interdisciplinary American visual studies. Supervises PhD projects on postwar American art, anti-fascism, and feminist/queer art history. Engages in public scholarship through interviews and exhibitions.
Yigal S. Nizri is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto, cross-appointed between the Department for the Study of Religion and the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies (ATCJS), where he serves as Undergraduate Director. His research focuses on Jewish-Moroccan history, diaspora studies, and Mizrahi cultural identity in Israel. Nizri holds a PhD from New York University and specializes in the emergence of Jewish Moroccan scribal culture within trans-Mediterranean diasporic networks. His work examines Maghribi halakhic traditions, Jewish-Muslim cultural intersections, and Mizrahi identity formation. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on Jewish textual traditions in North Africa, cultural memory in diaspora communities, and the representation of Mizrahi identity in Israeli society. Recent works explore themes of return migration, disaster narratives in Jewish book culture, and the evolution of Moroccan rabbinic print traditions. Nizri teaches courses including History of the Jewish People The Arab Jew: A History of a Concept Mizrahim in Israel: History, Politics, and Culture focusing on Jewish historiography and identity formation across diverse cultural contexts.
Asma Mehan, Ph.D. , is an Assistant Professor at the Huckabee College of Architecture, Texas Tech University , with a Ph.D. in Architecture, History, and Project from Politecnico di Torino (2017). Her work bridges architectural humanities and critical urban studies , focusing on urban inclusivity, heritage preservation, and climate justice. She authored two books— Tehran: From Sacred to Radical (2022) and Kuala Lumpur: Community, Infrastructure, and Urban Inclusivity (2020)—and leads the Coordination Team of the AESOP Young Academics network. Education: Ph.D. in Architecture, History, and Project, Politecnico di Torino (2017) Her research spans spatial justice , feminist placemaking , and heritage studies , addressing issues like oil urbanism , digital citizen participation , and resilient housing . Articles highlight her interdisciplinary approach to urban resilience, AI integration, and socio-environmental equity. She has held fellowships including the FCT Scientific Employment Stimulus and NIAS-KNAW Urban Citizenship Fellowship. Scientific Awards: AESOP Young Academics Award European Architectural History Network (EAHN) Fellowship Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) Grant ZK/U Berlin Researcher-in-Residence SAHGB Award Dr. Mehan has taught at TU Delft and Politecnico di Torino, guest lectured at TU Munich and Deakin University, and conducted visiting research in Switzerland, Australia, and Berlin. Her work appears in over 50 publications across English, Persian, and Italian, emphasizing critical pedagogy , collaborative design , and policy toolkits for urban inclusivity.
Dr Marion Kant is a Lecturer in the Department of German at the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics. Her work bridges musicology and dance history, focusing on body politics, the history and aesthetics of performance (theatre, opera, dance, ballet), German-Jewish relations, Nazi ideology, and anti-fascist exile. Her research explores the intersection of physical culture, nationalism, and avant-garde arts. She is currently editing a six-volume Cultural History of Dance for Bloomsbury, examining German nationalism and movement concepts from the 19th and 20th centuries. Her publications span German physical cultures, nationalist ideologies, and the role of dance in exile communities. Key Research Themes: Body aesthetics, German-Jewish assimilation, Nazi cultural policies, avant-garde movements, and transnational exile networks. Notable Projects: Analysis of Nazi-era dance policies, documentation of anti-fascist artists in Los Angeles, and historical studies of German physical cultures.
Dr Emma Bond is a Professor at the School of Modern Languages , University of St Andrews. Her work focuses on transnational literature and visual cultures , particularly the circulation of migration narratives, cultural artifacts, and colonial legacies. Key Affiliations : Academic Lead, Recollecting Empire Exhibition (2022); Co-editor, Transnational Italian Cultures series; Section Editor, Modern Languages Open . Research Themes : Migration, material culture, body studies, psychoanalytic theory, and decolonization in literature and museums. Scientific Awards : Philip Leverhulme Prize (2019), Associate Senior Fellow (2021), Sugaropolis Award (2015). Projects : Research Leave (2020-2022) for Curating Worlds ; Transnational Scotland Network (2019); Carnegie Trust-funded migration study (2017).
Professor Caroline Rae at Cardiff University is a leading scholar in 20th-century French music , with a focus on composers like Debussy, Messiaen, Jolivet, and Boulez. She also specializes in the musical writings of Alejo Carpentier and Franco-Latin American cultural interactions . Her research combines archival studies, performance practice, and pianism. Education : DPhil (Oxford), MA (Oxon), Dipl. Mus (Hanover), ARCM Her research projects include monographs on André Jolivet and Debussy’s Préludes , supported by the British Academy and AHRC . Recent publications span books on Carpentier, Debussy, and Stravinsky’s reception in France. As Co-Director of CFMR , she has organized international symposia with institutions like the Institut Français and Paul Sacher Foundation . Scientific awards include the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2018), Cardiff University Research Fellowship (2018-2019), and a French Government Scholarship (1982-1983). She has served on juries for the BBC Young Musician Competition and Wales International Piano Competition . As a pianist , she studied under Dame Fanny Waterman , Yvonne Loriod-Messiaen , and Karl-Heinz Kämmerling , and performs lecture-recitals linking her research. She has advised orchestras like the Philharmonia Orchestra and BBC National Orchestra of Wales on festival programming.
Helle Hochscheid is a University Lecturer in antiquity and heritage at University College Roosevelt, a Liberal Arts & Sciences college within Utrecht University in Middelburg. She holds an affiliation with the Humanities Research Institute for History and Art History and the Department of Ancient History and Classical Civilization. Her academic roles include coordinating the Archaeology in the Classroom project and serving on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Netherlands Institute in Athens, the Editorial Board of PHAROS: Journal of the Netherlands Institute at Athens , and the Advisory Board of Theran Press. Her research expertise spans Greek archaeology, ancient history, cultural heritage, and women’s history, with a focus on craft production (particularly sculpture and musical instruments like auloi) in ancient Greek societies. She investigates social contexts of craftsmanship, including the roles of non-elite groups and women in Athenian artistic networks. Key themes include gender diversity, migration’s societal impact, and the intersection of craft labor with early knowledge economies. Hochscheid regularly collaborates with undergraduate students, co-editing volumes such as The World on Walcheren (2024). She teaches courses including Academic Internship , Greek Art & Archaeology , and Making Society in Archaeology , emphasizing interdisciplinary education and community-engaged learning. Her work bridges academic research and public heritage through projects like Archaeology in the Classroom , which introduces transferable skills via archaeology to primary school children. Her professional contributions include organizing sessions at the EAA Annual Conference (2024) and presenting on topics like women’s work in ancient Athens. She is a member of the Engendering Ancient Economies Network (EAEN) and the TEXNH research collaboration, exploring economic and social dimensions of ancient Mediterranean crafts.
Jo Hsu (they/them) is an associate professor of Rhetoric and Writing and Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, where they also serve as Associate Chair of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. They are core faculty for the Center for Asian American Studies and have made significant contributions to trans and queer studies, disability studies, and Asian American rhetoric. Education and Background Ph.D., M.F.A. from Pennsylvania State University Research Interests Jo Hsu's research examines how stories shape policy and culture, with a focus on trans and queer narratives, disability justice, and Asian American rhetoric. Their work bridges academic scholarship with public engagement, exploring how storytelling functions as political strategy and community-building practice. They investigate how narratives of health, identity, and belonging circulate across medical, legal, and cultural contexts, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. Their current projects include examining far-right rhetorical strategies for disguising seemingly neutral beliefs and policies, and taking a narrative approach to health injustice, considering how stories infiltrate settings of health care practice and research. Awards and Recognition 2024 Book Award from the Rhetoric Society of America for "Constellating Home: Trans and Queer Asian American Rhetorics" 2023 Diamond Anniversary Book Award from the National Communication Association 2023 Innovations in Community Writing Book Award from the Conference on Community Writing Winifred Bryan Horner Outstanding Book Award from the Coalition of Feminist Scholars in the History of Rhetoric & Composition 2023 Rhetoric Society of America Fellows Early Career Award 2023 Leadership Award for People with Disabilities from the National Council of Teachers of English Public Engagement Jo Hsu is an active public intellectual whose work appears in major news outlets including the Huffington Post, the Hill, and the Boston Globe. They are committed to making academic knowledge accessible and relevant to broader publics, particularly in discussions about trans rights, disability justice, and racial equity. Their creative writing has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, reflecting their commitment to both scholarly and artistic forms of expression. Laboratory and Community Work While not leading a traditional laboratory, Hsu's scholarly work functions as a form of community-based research that centers QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) experiences and knowledge production. They are actively involved with organizations supporting trans folks in Texas, including Black Trans Leadership of Austin, Transgender Education Network of Texas, and Equality Texas. Their work emphasizes relationality and community accountability as central to knowledge creation.
Dr. John Severn is a Research Fellow at Macquarie University's Department of International Studies: Languages and Cultures. His career spans academia, law, and translation, with a focus on theatre internationalization, Shakespearean adaptation, and community engagement. Education: PhD in Theatre Studies and English, University of New South Wales MA(Hons) in Shakespeare and Theatre, University of Birmingham LLB(Hons) in Law and French, University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Edinburgh BA(Hons) in Theatre Studies and Opera Studies, University of Manchester/Rose Bruford College CertHE in Scottish Gaelic language and culture, University of the Highlands and Islands His research explores theatre and internationalization through opera, musicals, and Shakespearean adaptation. He investigates how performing arts foster inclusive/exclusive communities and addresses barriers to participation. His work intersects European cultural history, arts policy, and transnational practices. Recent publications highlight trends in Shakespearean operatic adaptation, Australian theatre censorship, and decolonial processes in performance. His co-edited works include The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Internationalization and Theatre and Internationalization: Perspectives from Australia, Germany, and Beyond . Dr. Severn collaborates with institutions like the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, and the Goethe-Institut Australia. He founded the research cluster 'Staging Migration in Berlin' and co-organizes international conferences on theatre internationalization.
Theodore Levin serves as the Arthur R. Virgin Professor of Music at Dartmouth College, with significant international engagements including Senior Advisor to the Aga Khan Music Programme and former Executive Director of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project. His work bridges academic research and cultural advocacy across Central Asia and Siberia. His educational foundation includes a B.A. from Amherst College and both M.F.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton University. Levin's research centers on ethnomusicological fieldwork examining the intricate relationships between sound, environment, and cultural identity among nomadic communities, with particular focus on spiritual practices and oral traditions along historical Silk Road routes. His publications reveal consistent thematic trajectories exploring musical preservation in rapidly changing societies, the ecological dimensions of sound production, and cross-cultural dialogue through artistic exchange. These works collectively document endangered traditions while analyzing their contemporary revitalization through international cultural development frameworks. As an educator, Levin teaches world music and American 'roots' music courses at Dartmouth, mentoring students in ethnographic methodologies. His professional activities extend to shaping global cultural policy through former leadership at Open Society Foundations' Arts and Culture sub-board, demonstrating sustained commitment to integrating arts into international development paradigms. Levin maintains active involvement with international initiatives including the Aga Khan Music Programme, where he contributes to preserving musical heritage across Muslim contexts through performance, education, and documentation projects that connect traditional artistry with contemporary creative expression.
Mark Mazower is the Ira D. Wallach Professor of History at Columbia University, where he has established himself as a leading historian specializing in modern Greece, 20th-century Europe, and international history. He also serves as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Director of the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination in Paris, which brings together scholars with leading artists, writers, composers and filmmakers from around the world to foster innovative interdisciplinary collaboration. His educational background includes a D.Phil. from Oxford University (1988), an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University (1983), and a B.A. from Oxford University (1981). This strong academic foundation has positioned him as a preeminent historian with expertise spanning multiple historical periods and geographical regions. Mazower's research focuses on modern Greek history, 20th-century European history, and international history, with recent work examining the historical evolution of the Greek islands over the very long term. His scholarship bridges academic rigor with public engagement, as he frequently contributes commentary on international affairs and book reviews to major publications including the Financial Times , The Nation , the London Review of Books , and the New York Review of Books . In 2016, he expanded his public engagement through the film Techniques of the Body , a meditation on the refugee crisis in Greek history created with director Constantine Giannaris. His publications reveal a consistent focus on understanding the complex interplay between national histories and broader international frameworks. Mazower's work often examines how local experiences intersect with global forces, particularly in the context of war, occupation, state formation, and the development of international institutions. His approach combines deep archival research with conceptual innovation, making significant contributions to our understanding of European history, Greek history, and international relations. Mazower's scholarly achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Gennadius Prize (2023) Honorary Citizenship from the Republic of Greece (2022) Fellow of the British Academy (2019) D. Litt., honoris causa , Catholic University of Leuven (2019) D. Litt., honoris causa , University of Athens (2015) Dido Sotiriou Award of the Hellenic Authors Society (2012) Society of Columbia Graduates Great Teacher Award (2011) Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Hitler's Empire: Trilling Award and LA Times Book Prize for History (2009) Salonica, City of Ghosts: Duff Cooper Prize (2005) As an educator at Columbia University, Mazower has mentored numerous students in the Department of History, guiding research in modern European history, Greek history, and international history. His leadership extends to directing the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination in Paris, which has received significant funding from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to support interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and creative artists from around the world. At the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination, Mazower has created a unique intellectual environment where historians work alongside artists, writers, and filmmakers to explore new approaches to understanding complex historical and contemporary issues. This innovative space reflects his commitment to bridging academic scholarship with creative expression and public engagement, fostering dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to address pressing global challenges.
Elzbieta Matynia is Professor of Sociology and Liberal Studies at The New School for Social Research, where she founded and directs the Transregional Center for Democratic Studies (TCDS). She holds a PhD from the University of Warsaw (1979) and focuses on democratic transitions, gender politics, and cultural sociology, particularly in Eastern Europe and global contexts. Her work examines democratic erosion, civic agency, and the role of art in political reflection. Her research interests include Political Sociology , Democratization , Gender and Politics , and Social Memory , emphasizing how cultural and historical shifts shape democratic futures. Her publications analyze performative aspects of democracy, dissident intellectualism, and revolutionary movements. Matynia's articles and books consistently explore themes of democratic decline , civic engagement , and post-communist transitions , with recent works addressing global authoritarian trends and the fragility of liberal institutions. Her scholarship integrates theoretical rigor with empirical analysis of social movements and political performativity. Scientific Awards: 2019 Distinguished Alumna Award (University of Warsaw, 2020) Vratislavia Grato Animo Silver Medal (2018) U.S. Fulbright Scholar to South Africa (2010–2011) Recurring Distinguished Visiting Professorship (Lower Silesia Academy, 2008–2018) Distinguished Professorship (Kazakh State University, 2006) As director of TCDS, she leads initiatives like the Democracy & Diversity Graduate Summer Institutes, fostering cross-cultural dialogue among global scholars. Her current book project, Democracy After Violence , investigates post-conflict democratization.
