Professor Max Deeg is a leading scholar in Buddhist Studies at Cardiff University , holding a personal chair since 2009. With a career spanning institutions in Germany, Austria, and the UK, his research focuses on transcultural Buddhist history from India to East Asia, Chinese Buddhist travelogues , and interreligious encounters in medieval China. He has held visiting positions at universities in Japan, Nepal, the US, and Germany, and currently directs the Centre for the History of Religion in Asia (CHRA) . PhD from University of Würzburg (1990) Dr. phil. habil. in Religious Studies (1998) Full Professor at University of Vienna (2002-2006) His research explores Buddhist narratives as tools for constructing religious identity, foundation myths in trans-Himalayan contexts, and terminology evolution in Chinese Buddhist translations. Recent publications analyze Indian Buddhist monasticism through Chinese sources and religious concepts like xin (trust) across Buddhist, Manichaean, and Christian traditions. Awarded the KHK Visiting Research Fellowship (2016) and a DAAD Scholarship (1986-87) , Prof Deeg contributes to editorial boards of major journals. He supervises PhD students and teaches Buddhist Studies , Life of the Buddha , and Chinese Buddhist Texts .
Angelika Malinar, Professor of Indology at the University of Zurich and member of its Gender Studies Department, specializes in Hinduism, Indian philosophy, and Sanskrit literature. Her work spans historical and modern contexts, with a focus on epic texts and Indo-European exchanges. She co-edits the Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism and contributes to the University Research Priority Program "Asia and Europe." PhD and habilitation from University of Tübingen Researcher at Tübingen, Berlin, and London Her research integrates Sanskrit epics, philosophical traditions, and modern Hindu identity. Recent publications analyze Mahābhārata theology, ritual practices, and cross-cultural interpretations. She explores how texts like the Bhagavadgītā and Nārāyaṇīya bridge ritualism, aesthetics, and individual authority. Key article trends examine cosmological monotheism , epic decision-making , and colonial reinterpretations . Her editorial roles include interdisciplinary volumes on time, purity, and Indo-European cultural dialogues. As a Senior Lecturer at SOAS and Professor in Zurich, she has led projects on monastic institutions, rasas, and canonical formation. Her work contextualizes Indian philosophy within global frameworks, notably nineteenth-century German Indology.
Dr. Hannah Zdansky is an Assistant Professor of English at Belmont Abbey College, specializing in medieval languages, literatures, and manuscript studies. Her research focuses on cross-cultural connections in medieval Britain and Ireland, particularly exploring multilingualism, religion in literature, and medieval reading practices. She holds a B.A. from Baylor University, an M.A. from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame. Her expertise spans Old and Middle English, French, Irish, Welsh, and Latin, with a methodological focus on digital humanities and the history of the book. Dr. Zdansky’s work examines how medieval literary and material cultures were shaped by multicultural interactions, including studies on medieval manuscripts, the role of women in literary production, and the intersection of religion with secular narratives. Her recent scholarly engagements include presentations on topics like the transnational dimensions of medieval texts, the interplay between sacred and secular themes in works such as Gui o Bharbhuic , and comparative analyses of Welsh and English manuscript traditions. Her publications span peer-reviewed articles, encyclopedia entries, and book reviews, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary medieval studies. Dr. Zdansky teaches a wide range of courses, from Old English Language and Literature to Irish History, emphasizing close textual analysis and historical context. She has advised numerous students through independent studies and thesis work, fostering academic rigor and intellectual curiosity in her classroom.
Joanna Grela is a Professor at the Department of Comparative Civilization Studies within the Faculty of Philosophy at Jagiellonian University (UJ) in Kraków, Poland. She holds habilitation in cultural studies (2016, SWPS University, Warsaw), a doctorate in religious studies (2004, Jagiellonian University), and is a certified Tibetologist (2000, INALCO, Paris). Her academic credentials also include an MA in philosophy (1996, Jagiellonian University) and postgraduate studies in gender (2009, Jagiellonian University). Her educational background includes: 2004: PhD in Humanities in religious studies, Jagiellonian University 2000: Diplôme Unilingue de Langue et Civilization Orientales de Tibétain, Institut National des Langues et Civilizations Orientales (INALCO), Paris 1996: Master of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University 2009: Postgraduate studies in gender, Jagiellonian University Professor Grela's research focuses on Tibetan, Himalayan, and Mongolian cultures, with particular emphasis on pre-Buddhist cults and their contemporary representations in popular culture, societal transformations, Tibetan ethnic and cultural identity, cultural stereotypes, and the comparative anthropology of Buddhism. Her work bridges religious studies, cultural anthropology, and Tibetan studies, examining both historical traditions and their modern adaptations. She has made significant contributions to understanding how traditional Buddhist practices interact with contemporary social contexts, digital technologies, and global cultural flows. Her scholarly output reveals consistent engagement with Tibetan religious culture, Buddhist textual traditions, and the adaptation of Buddhist practices in modern contexts. She has extensively explored the relationship between pre-Buddhist traditions and contemporary religious practices, the role of deities in Tibetan Buddhism, and the transformation of Buddhist thought in different cultural settings including Thailand and Poland. Her more recent work addresses how Buddhism is adapting to digital environments and contemporary social challenges. Her notable achievements include: 2017: Pro Arte Docendi Award from the Rector of Jagiellonian University Multiple teaching awards (2011/12, 2012/13, 2014/15) Membership in the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) Collaboration with the Centre d'Etudes Himalayennes CNRS Professor Grela has led significant research projects including 'The impact of secularization and schooling on socio-religious relations between ritual specialists and the lay community in the Rebkong region' (2018-2020) and 'The Common Buddhist Text Project' (2009-2016). Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to both scholarly research and teaching excellence, with numerous publications spanning academic journals, edited volumes, and encyclopedia entries. She maintains active international collaboration and has presented her research at conferences across Europe and Asia.
Dr Christian Luczanits serves as the David L. Snellgrove Senior Lecturer in Tibetan and Buddhist Art at SOAS University of London, where he also acts as Department Recruitment, Admissions and Marketing Convenor. He previously held research positions at the University of Vienna, Austrian Academy of Sciences, and Lumbini International Research Institute, followed by visiting professorships at UC Berkeley , Free University Berlin, and Stanford University. Before academia, he was Senior Curator at the Rubin Museum of Art, New York. PhD in Tibetan and Buddhist Studies (University of Vienna) under the late Maurizio Taddei Specializes in early Buddhist art (1st-5th centuries) and early Tibetan Buddhist art (7th-15th centuries) Key research topics: Maitreya iconography , development of Mahāyāna and esoteric traditions, Tibetan artistic adaptation of Indian forms, and AHRC-funded monastery collections documentation in Mustang and Ladakh His recent publications analyze transcultural dynamics in Himalayan Buddhist heritage, including monastic collections, mandala symbolism, and artistic revival movements. He co-curated the Gandhara – The Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan exhibition at Bonn's Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. PhD supervisees include: Udomluck Hoontrakul (Political Economy of Marginal Polities) Qianhui Lin (Bodhisattva Conceptualization in Gandhāra) Agneta Niklasson (Esoteric Buddhism in Swat-Gilgit-Kashmir sculpture) Dr Lesley S Pullen (Angkorian Divine Adornment) Kulamitra David Zukas (Rock-Cut Buddhist Monasteries)
Alicia M Turner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities at York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. She holds a PhD from the University of Chicago Divinity School, alongside an MA in History of Religions and a BA in Religion and Women’s Studies. Her research focuses on the intersections of religion, colonialism, secularism, and nationalism in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar/Burma. She examines Buddhist institutions and identities over the past 150 years, with emphasis on colonial-era transformations and contemporary religious dynamics. Her major work includes the book Saving Buddhism: The Impermanence of Religion in Colonial Burma , which analyzes Buddhist lay associations and the fluidity of religious concepts. Current projects include a collaborative biography of U Dhammaloka, a 19th-century Irish-born Buddhist monk who resisted British colonialism, and studies on Buddhist secularism and religious tolerance in Myanmar. Turner's professional leadership roles include serving as Editor of The Journal of Burma Studies (2007-2017), and active participation in academic organizations such as the Association of Asian Studies. She contributes to initiatives like the Inya Institute, focusing on Myanmar research and heritage. Her scholarship bridges historical analysis with contemporary issues, emphasizing how colonial frameworks shaped modern religious identities. Key themes include the role of Buddhism in nationalist movements, the impact of colonial secularism, and transnational religious networks.
Matthias Riedl is Associate Professor in the Department of Historical Studies at Central European University (CEU), where he is also a member of the Center for Religious Studies and the Doctoral School of History. He holds affiliations with the Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies and has taught extensively in comparative political thought and religious history. His academic career includes prior roles as Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Visiting Assistant Professor at Duke University, and Visiting Lecturer at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. His educational background includes an M.A. and Ph.D. (summa cum laude) from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. His research lies at the intersection of religion and politics, focusing on intellectual history, apocalypticism, and radical religious movements from late antiquity to the early modern period. He has a strong interest in comparative frameworks, including non-Western political thought and religious dissent across cultures. Riedl’s recent publications explore themes such as apocalyptic violence, the political theology of Thomas Müntzer and Joachim of Fiore, and the secularization of religious concepts in modern ideologies. His work bridges historical analysis with philosophical inquiry, often engaging with theorists like Eric Voegelin and Karl Löwith. The articles reflect a consistent focus on millenarian thought, revolutionary agency, and the symbolic continuity of apocalyptic traditions across epochs. Among his scientific contributions are numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and edited volumes on topics ranging from the ordering of time to the city as a symbolic center. Though no formal awards are listed, his extensive publication record and international academic engagements reflect scholarly recognition. Riedl has supervised numerous doctoral and master’s students on diverse topics including church-state relations, religious violence, and comparative theology. He has directed multiple international summer schools on religion and politics, often in collaboration with institutions like Duke University. His research is supported by long-term projects and interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly through the Eranos Conferences. He is actively involved in research groups and has contributed to collective works on prophets, time, and the secular sphere in theology. His ongoing monograph on Thomas Müntzer underscores his commitment to understanding revolutionary religious thought in historical context.
Sarah Jacoby is a Professor of Religious Studies at Northwestern University , specializing in Tibetan Buddhism with particular focus on gender and sexuality, religious autobiography, Buddhist revelation, and Tibetan literature. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and previously held a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University’s Society of Fellows in the Humanities. Key academic affiliations: Northwestern University (2009–present), Columbia University (postdoc), University of Virginia (Ph.D.) Teaching areas: Introduction to Buddhism, Buddhism and Gender, Tibetan Religion and Culture, Feminist Theory, Religion and Celibacy Research Themes : Jacoby’s work centers on Tibetan Buddhist women’s voices through textual translation and analysis. Her groundbreaking study of Sera Khandro (1892–1940) explores: Autobiographical ventriloquy and spiritual legitimacy Interdependent personhood and relational ethics Translation methodology as ethical practice Gender dynamics in tantric Buddhist practices Academic Impact : 2016 E. Gene Smith Book Prize for Love and Liberation 2015 American Academy of Religion Book Award Finalist Co-organizer of 2022 Tibetan translation workshop Advocate for Tibetan script in academic publications Key Projects : Current book project on Lelung Zhepai Dorjé’s biographical texts Khyentse Foundation Buddhist Studies Lecture Series chair Collaborative translation initiatives with Tibetan writers and scholars
Gerd Althoff is a distinguished Professor of Medieval History at the University of Münster, where he has served as Director of the Institute for Early Medieval Studies since 1997. He is actively involved in the Cluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics in Pre-Modern Cultures," leading research projects on religious categories of historical interpretation and the role of the Church in political decision-making. Previously, he held professorships at the universities of Bonn (1995) and Gießen (1990), establishing himself as a leading authority in medieval studies across German academia. Althoff's academic journey began with his Abitur at Amtsgymnasium Ibbenbüren in 1963, followed by studies in History and German Studies at the universities of Münster and Heidelberg (1965-1970). He earned his PhD from the University of Münster in 1974, served as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Freiburg/Breisgau (1974-1980), and completed his postdoctoral lecture qualification (Habilitation) at the same institution in 1981. His academic career spans over five decades, marked by significant contributions to medieval historiography. Professor Althoff's research focuses on the intricate dynamics of medieval power structures, particularly examining how rituals, symbolic communication, and conflict resolution shaped political authority in the Middle Ages. His work explores the interplay between religious and secular power, with special attention to the Ottonian and Salian periods of German history. He investigates how medieval societies conceptualized divine justice, royal authority, and the mechanisms of trust-building that maintained social cohesion. His approach combines meticulous archival research with theoretical frameworks from sociology and communication studies, offering fresh perspectives on medieval political culture. Althoff's extensive publication record reveals a consistent focus on how power was negotiated, displayed, and maintained through ritualized practices in medieval Europe. His recent works demonstrate growing interest in the religious dimensions of historical interpretation, particularly how medieval thinkers understood divine intervention in worldly affairs. The recurring themes across his scholarship include the fluid boundaries between church and state, the performative aspects of political authority, and the evolving structures of medieval governance. His comparative approach, examining both German and broader European contexts, has significantly advanced our understanding of medieval political culture. Research Prize of the University of Münster (2005) Throughout his career, Professor Althoff has supervised numerous doctoral students whose work reflects his diverse research interests, from political rituals to religious authority in medieval Europe. His leadership extends to major collaborative research initiatives, including serving as Spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics in Pre-Modern Cultures" (2007-2011) and as co-initiator and speaker of Collaborative Research Centre 496 "Symbolic Communication and Social Value Systems from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution" (1997-2003). His international recognition is evidenced by invitations as Visiting Professor at prestigious institutions including the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris (1998) and the University of California, Berkeley (1995). As Director of the Institute for Early Medieval Studies at the University of Münster, Althoff has fostered a vibrant research environment focused on interdisciplinary approaches to medieval studies. His institute has been instrumental in advancing the field through graduate programs including "Written Culture and Society in the Middle Ages" and "Social Symbolism in the Middle Ages." The collaborative research culture he has cultivated continues to produce significant scholarship on medieval political, religious, and social structures.
C. Colt Anderson is a Professor at Fordham University, currently listed in the Graduate School of Education faculty directory. He previously served as Academic Dean of Fordham's Graduate School of Religion and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Washington Theological Union, bringing extensive administrative experience to his academic role. His educational background includes: BA from the University of Georgia MA in Religious Studies from the University of Georgia PhD in Historical Theology from Marquette University (1998) Professor Anderson's research centers on historical theology , church reform , and eschatological perspectives , with particular focus on: The early Franciscan movement as theological framework Contemporary religious nationalism Catholic sexual abuse crisis analysis Christian spirituality and ecclesial leadership Communication of the Gospel in modern contexts His publication trajectory reveals a significant evolution from medieval Franciscan studies toward urgent contemporary issues. Recent works increasingly address institutional failures in religious organizations, faith's relationship to political systems, and crisis response mechanisms within ecclesial structures, demonstrating consistent application of historical insights to modern challenges. Professor Anderson has received notable recognition including: Catholic Press Association award for history (2007) for 'The Great Catholic Reformers' Bronze Award for political science (2021) for 'Faith, Nationalism, and the Future of Liberal Democracy' Honorable mention from The Catholic Media Association (2021) Prior to academia, he served as theological consultant to the Democratic Party of Georgia and worked as an award-winning scriptwriter and film producer, demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement beyond traditional academic boundaries. Information regarding student advising and research grants is not documented in available sources.
André Laliberté is a Full Professor at the University of Ottawa's School of Political Studies , focusing on the intersection of religion and politics in East Asian societies. His work spans comparative politics, Chinese and Taiwanese politics, social policy, and political anthropology. Ph.D. (1999) and M.A. (1992) from the University of British Columbia , B.A. (1991) from Université du Québec à Montréal . His research explores Buddhist philanthropy , secularism , and welfare regimes , with fieldwork in Shanghai, Beijing, Taiwan, and Hong Kong . Recent publications analyze religion-state dynamics in China's pandemic response, filial piety's legal revival , and geopolitical challenges in Buddhist internationalism . He has supervised students across these themes and collaborated with institutions like the Groupe Sociétés, Religions et Laïcités (Paris) and Center on Religion and Chinese Society (Purdue University) .
Maureen C. Miller is the Jane K. Sather Professor of History at the University of California, Berkeley. Her scholarship focuses on the transformative dynamics of medieval European societies, particularly through the lens of ecclesiastical reform, material culture, and urban political structures in Italy. She explores how religious ideals intersected with social, economic, and political realities during the 11th and 12th centuries. PhD, Harvard University (1989) MA, Catholic University of America (1983) BA, The American University (1981) Her research interrogates the paradoxes of medieval religious reform movements, analyzing the material culture of Christianity, the evolution of priesthood authority, and the reciprocal influences between communal and ecclesiastical institutions in Italian cities. She investigates how rituals, vestments, and architectural spaces encoded power dynamics and ideological shifts. Her publications from 2000-2023 reveal consistent engagement with medieval administrative practices, liturgical materiality, and urban authority structures. Key themes include the documentary revolution in Italy, episcopal ceremonial, and the interplay between religious and secular governance. Scientific Awards: 2001 Helen and Howard R. Marraro Prize (Society for Italian Historical Studies) for The Bishop's Palace 1993 John Gilmary Shea Prize (American Catholic Historical Association) for The Formation of a Medieval Church Miller’s work bridges institutional history with cultural analysis, emphasizing the role of material objects in shaping medieval European identity and governance. She has not explicitly mentioned advising or grant details in the provided text.
Professor Charles West is a historian specializing in medieval history, particularly focusing on Carolingian Francia and its successor states. He holds a personal chair in medieval history at the University of Edinburgh's School of History, Classics and Archaeology. Previously, he taught at the University of Sheffield for 15 years, where he was promoted to professor in 2022. His research explores the interplay between religious and secular power, local societal dynamics, and comparative historical methodologies. He has authored and co-authored numerous books, including Europe in the Eleventh Century (forthcoming 2025) and Local Priests in the Latin West, 900–1050 (forthcoming 2025). His work frequently addresses themes of simony, trust, and the transformation of medieval political structures. Education: - BA History, Emmanuel College, Cambridge - MPhil, University of Birmingham - PhD, University of Cambridge (with research at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne) Research Interests: - Carolingian and post-Carolingian societies - Church reform and religious institutions - Peasant societies and local governance - Comparative medieval history across Eurasia Key Projects: - Collaborator on the 'Global History of the pre-modern Peasantry' project - Co-editor of Writing the Early Medieval West (Cambridge, 2018) - Editorial board member of Early Medieval Europe and Reti Medievali Rivista Grants and Awards: - Winner of the Early Medieval Europe Essay Prize (2009) - AHRC/DFG Research Grant (2021–2024) - Humboldt Foundation Fellowship (2014–2016) Teaching: - Courses include 'Charlemagne's Europe' and 'The Doomed Kingdom' - Supervises PhDs on medieval European history, requiring proficiency in Latin and modern European languages Collaborations: - International projects with scholars in Europe and North America - Research on local priests’ roles in medieval society (collaborative book project)
Stefan Drechsler is a Researcher in Old Norse philology at the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies at the University of Bergen. His academic work focuses on interdisciplinary research into medieval Scandinavian manuscripts, particularly examining the intersection of textual analysis, codicology, and art history within the context of law manuscripts from medieval Norway and Iceland. Dr. Drechsler's research interests span a wide range of medieval studies topics including textual and codicological compilation strategies in Scandinavian law manuscripts, legal iconography in medieval European book painting, and social network analysis related to vernacular law texts. He has made significant contributions to understanding the literary and artistic exchange between western Scandinavian societies and other parts of Europe during the High Middle Ages. His work demonstrates how interdisciplinary approaches to vernacular manuscripts can reveal new information about cultural goods exchange and secular and ecclesiastical networks in the North Atlantic region. His publications show a consistent focus on manuscript production, particularly illuminated manuscripts from medieval Scandinavia. The most recent works examine paratextual elements in law manuscripts, iconography in Icelandic law manuscripts, and Norwegian manuscripts as European works of art, indicating a trend toward increasingly sophisticated analysis of the cultural context and artistic influences on medieval Scandinavian book production. Subjekt Award 2024 for 'The Laws of the Land 750 Years' exhibition at Bryggens Museum As Principal Investigator of two major research projects—'Nordic Law Books: The Production and Use of Vernacular Law Manuscripts in the North from 1100 to 1600' (NordicLaw) and 'Writing in Latin and in the Vernacular: Bilingual Scribal Practice in Norway ca. 1300–1350'—Drechsler has secured significant research funding. He has also organized a biannual public lecture series on medieval topics since 2020 and has been actively involved in multiple outreach projects including digital exhibitions. Dr. Drechsler is affiliated with the Research Group for Medieval Philology and the Research Group Images of Knowledge at the University of Bergen, where he contributes to the Medieval Research Cluster, a driving force in developing local and national dissemination of medieval knowledge.
Dr. Michel Summer is a postdoctoral researcher and academic staff member at the Institute for Franconian-Palatinate History and Regional Studies at the University of Heidelberg, where he also serves as internship coordinator. He obtained his PhD in Medieval History from Trinity College Dublin in 2021, with his thesis funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund. His academic background includes an MA and BA from the University of Freiburg, with an ERASMUS year at Trinity College Dublin. PhD, Medieval History, Trinity College Dublin (2021) MA, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, University of Freiburg (2017) BA, History and Archaeology, University of Freiburg (2014) His research focuses on early medieval Europe, particularly Merovingian and Carolingian Francia, with expertise in the Christianization of Europe, political and military structures, clerical mobility, and the figure of Saint Willibrord. He critically examines concepts such as Gefolgschaft (retainership) and the interplay between religious and secular power. His monograph Willibrord between Ireland, Britain and Merovingian Francia (690–739): Beyond Mission (2024) exemplifies his interdisciplinary and transnational approach. His recent publications span journals like Peritia and Mittelalter , and edited volumes on early medieval militarization and religious knowledge. The articles reflect a consistent trend in exploring political agency, cultural networks, and the historiography of early medieval mission and identity, often bridging Ireland, Britain, and continental Europe. He is an active member of several scholarly communities including the International Society for the Study of Early Medieval England and the Mediävistikverband. He has served as a reviewer for journals such as Peritia and Le Moyen Âge . Dr. Summer supervises undergraduate theses at Heidelberg and teaches seminars on topics ranging from early medieval queenship to warfare and Christianization. He also contributes to public scholarship through blogs (e.g., Liverpool University Press blog), media interviews (e.g., RTL Radio Luxembourg, KCLR96FM), and exhibition concepts, notably "Esou ginn Helde gebuer. Medieval pictures in Luxembourg (19th-21st century)" . He has created illustrations for various academic projects and museums, demonstrating a strong commitment to public engagement and digital history.
