Eliese-Sophia Lincke is a Junior Professor at the Department of History and Cultural Studies, Freie Universität Berlin, since May 2022. Her work bridges computational methods with Egyptology, focusing on digital tools for studying ancient texts. Bachelor's and Master's in Egyptology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (2007) PhD in "The Conception of Spaces in Language" (TOPOI Cluster, 2012) Research interests include: Digital Humanities : Developing machine learning models for Hieroglyphic, Demotic, and Coptic text processing Linguistic Typology : Analyzing classifier systems in Ancient Egyptian and Sign Languages Spatial Linguistics : Investigating prepositions and spatial adverbs in Egyptian-Coptic Recent publications focus on Neural Lemmatization , OCR for Coptic , and Classifier Semantics , demonstrating her commitment to computational Egyptology. Scientific awards include the Humboldt-Preis 2008 for best Master's thesis and the Prize for Good Teaching 2014 . She has co-organized workshops like "Wege zum Ägyptischen" and served as Co-Editor for Lingua Aegyptia . Her teaching contributes to the Digital Studies of Ancient Texts Master's program.
James W. Watts is a Professor of Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern textual traditions in the Department of Religion at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences. He has been at Syracuse since 1999, serving as Chair of the Department of Religion from 2009-2015 and as William P. Tolley Professor in the Humanities from 2011-2013. Watts also served as Visiting Research Fellow at the Käte Hamburger Kolleg, Ruhr Universität Bochum from 2015-2016. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament from Yale University (1990) M.Div. and Th.M. in New Testament from Southern Seminary (1985-1986) B.A. in Philosophy from Pomona College (1982) Watts specializes in the literature and religion of the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Pentateuch, sacrifice, law, and narrative genres. His research explores ancient Near Eastern religious rhetoric, ritual theory, comparative scriptures, and iconic books. His work bridges textual analysis with ritual studies, examining how sacred texts function as physical objects within religious communities and how they acquire iconic status across cultures. His recent publications reveal a growing focus on the materiality of scripture, ritual performance, and the social power of sacred texts. Watts has increasingly examined how biblical texts, particularly Leviticus, have been used to construct social boundaries related to race, diet, and purity. His work connects ancient textual traditions with contemporary issues of social justice, censorship, and religious authority in digital contexts. Among his notable achievements: William P. Tolley Professor in the Humanities (2011-2013) Secretary-Treasurer of The Society for Comparative Research on Iconic and Performative Texts (2010-present) Editor of the Equinox book series, Comparative Research on Iconic and Performative Texts (2017-present) Chair of the Pentateuch Section of the Society of Biblical Literature (1998-2003) Watts has directed graduate studies in the Department of Religion (2006-2009, 2023-2025) and undergraduate studies (2000-2004). He has supervised numerous student research projects on iconic books, biblical ritual texts, normative texts, and scripturalization. His academic leadership extends to the Renée Crown Honors Program and the SU Humanities Council. Watts leads the Iconic Books Project, which analyzes the functions of scriptures in cross-cultural and trans-historical perspectives. This project has developed into the Society for Comparative Research on Iconic and Performative Texts (SCRIPT), of which he serves as Secretary-Treasure. His work continues to explore the relationship between textual practices, ritual performance, and the social power of sacred texts.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Luther serves as Professor of New Testament at the Georg-August University of Göttingen since 2020, where she is affiliated with the Faculty of Theology. Her academic journey includes an Assistant Professorship at the University of Groningen (2018-2020), habilitation at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (2018), and doctoral studies at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen (2012). She maintains significant institutional roles as Dean of Finance, Erasmus Coordinator, Internationalization Officer, and Representative of the Graduate School of Humanities Göttingen (GSGG). Dr. Luther's research focuses on language ethics in the New Testament, ancient curse tablets, theory of history and historiography in antiquity, miracle stories in early Christianity, and biblical hermeneutics, with particular emphasis on the Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of John, and Epistle of James. Her work bridges theological scholarship with literary, cultural-historical, and religious approaches to biblical texts. Her recent publications explore interdisciplinary connections between biblical studies and cultural history, particularly examining travel experiences across Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. She has produced significant scholarly contributions on the Epistle of James and speech ethics in early Christian writings, demonstrating how New Testament texts engage with and transform ancient ethical discourses. Dr. Luther actively contributes to academic discourse through editorial roles including Editor of the 'Handbook to the New Testament,' membership on the editorial board of 'Zeitschrift für Neues Testament,' and advisory positions for several prominent theological journals. Member of the Theological Committee of the VELKD Member of the Steering Committee of the Programme Unit 'Johannine Literature' of the SBL Member of the Board of Trustees of the Center for Health Ethics, Hanover She supervises doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers while maintaining active membership in major scholarly societies including Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS), Scientific Society for Theology (WGTh), Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), and European Association of Biblical Studies. Her current research projects include a commentary on the Epistle of James for the Oxford Bible Commentary Series and studies on ancient curse tablets in New Testament contexts.
PD Dr. Mathias Winkler is a Senior Lecturer in Biblical Theology / Old Testament at the Faculty of Catholic Theology, Ruhr University Bochum, where he has served as the interim chair for Old Testament studies since April 1, 2023. He is also affiliated as a Faculty Member with the Faculty of Catholic Theology at Universität Regensburg. His research interests are centered on Biblical Theology, Old Testament studies, and Biblical Hermeneutics, with a strong focus on Narrative Methods. A significant portion of his recent work applies Critical Masculinity Studies to the Hebrew Bible, exploring themes of masculinity in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis and the portrayal of male characters. His scholarship also delves deeply into the Book of Proverbs, examining its structure, intertextuality with the Solomonic narratives in 1 Kings, and its theological wisdom. Other key areas include the Book of Numbers, particularly the Nazirite vow and the role of the Levites, and the nature of divine revelation. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent trend of sophisticated literary and theological analysis. He frequently investigates the interplay between text, ideology, and social constructs, as seen in his work on masculinity. His articles also reflect a keen interest in textual details, such as the symbolism of hair or the structure of wisdom collections, and in the connections between the Old and New Testaments, as in his study of the testing of God in Exodus and 1 Corinthians. Dr. Winkler is an active scholar with a growing body of work, including two books and numerous articles in respected journals like Vetus Testamentum and Journal for the Study of the Old Testament . He can be contacted via email at mathias.winkler@ruhr-uni-bochum.de .
Hermann Lichtenberger is Professor of New Testament and Ancient Judaism at the University of Tübingen, where he also directs the Institute for Ancient Judaism and Hellenistic Religious History. Born May 25, 1943, in Neu Werbas, Hungary, he holds a doctorate (1974) and habilitation (1986) in theology. His academic trajectory includes formative roles at Qumran Research Centers in Heidelberg and Marburg, professorial positions at the University of Münster (1988-1993), and leadership at Tübingen since 1993. Education: 1964-1970: Protestant Theology and Semitic Languages at Universities of Erlangen and Heidelberg Research Focus: Lichtenberger specializes in Dead Sea Scrolls (Qumran), Pauline anthropology, and New Testament exegesis within Second Temple Jewish contexts. His work bridges ancient Jewish thought and early Christian theology, with emphasis on apocalyptic literature, demonology, and messianic expectations. Recent publications analyze textual interconnections between Qumran manuscripts and Christian scriptures, anthropological themes in Pauline epistles, and historiographical methods in biblical narratives. Publications Trend (2000-2005): His 15 most recent articles reflect sustained engagement with Dead Sea Scrolls hermeneutics (demonology, messianism), New Testament exegesis (Romans, Matthew, Revelation), and Jewish-Christian theological interfaces. Common themes include angelology, temple symbolism, and the reception of Jewish texts in early Christianity. Institutional Leadership: Director, Institute for Ancient Judaism and Hellenistic Religious History (1993–present) Former Director, Institutum Judaicum Delitzschianum (1988-1993)
Holger Strutwolf is a Professor at the University of Münster , where he chairs Patristics and New Testament Textual Research. He also serves as director of the Institute for New Testament Textual Research (INTF) and the Bible Museum. Education Studied Protestant theology at Bethel and Heidelberg Universities 1988: First theological examination at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Oldenburg; MTheol at Heidelberg 1991: Doctorate at Heidelberg 1997: Habilitation at Münster Research Focus Strutwolf specializes in New Testament textual research, ancient church history (with particular interest in Gnosticism, Origen, and Eusebius of Caesarea), and the intersection of ancient theology with philosophy. His work explores Platonic influences on early Christian thought and methodological approaches to biblical textual criticism. Publications & Methodological Contributions His scholarship spans critical editions, book reviews, and analyses of scribal practices in manuscript transmission. Key themes include the reception of Gnosis in patristic writings, theological cosmology in late antiquity, and digital tools like the New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room for textual analysis. Academic Roles After academic and pastoral roles (1998–2004), he has led the INTF since 2004. His career integrates textual scholarship with systematic theological inquiry, particularly in patristic contexts.
Eve-Marie Becker is Professor of New Testament at the University of Münster, where she has held a faculty position since September 2018. Previously, she served as Professor of New Testament Exegesis at Aarhus University in Denmark from 2006 to 2018 and held visiting positions including Distinguished Visiting Professor at Emory University. Her academic trajectory includes significant research fellowships at the Israel Institute for Advanced Studies in Jerusalem and the Alfried Krupp Kolleg at WiKo Greifswald (2024-2025). Her academic credentials include: Habilitation in New Testament at the University of Erlangen (2004) Doctor of Theology from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (2001) Studies in Protestant Theology at Marburg and Erlangen (1991-1997) Professor Becker's research spans multiple interconnected domains within New Testament scholarship. Her primary focus areas include the Gospel of Mark and Synoptic Gospels, Philippians and Pauline literature, literary history with emphasis on historiography and epistolography, hermeneutics, person/personality studies, and historical Jesus research. Her scholarly approach integrates historical-critical methodology with literary and cultural analysis, particularly examining early Christian texts within their ancient communication systems. Her recent publications reveal a concentrated interest in ancient letter writing traditions, especially comparative studies of Paul's correspondence alongside Roman letter writers like Cicero and Seneca. This research trajectory is reflected in major projects including 'Epistolary Visions of Transformational Leadership: Cicero - Paul - Seneca' (EVTL) and 'Cosmocracy and Pantocracy in Early Christianity (KoPaC).' Her work consistently bridges historical investigation with theological interpretation, demonstrating how early Christian writings functioned within their historical contexts while maintaining contemporary relevance. Among her notable scholarly recognitions are: Habilitationspreis from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (2005) DAAD Postdoc Research Fellowship (2003) Doctoral scholarship from Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (1998) Professor Becker maintains active involvement in numerous academic organizations and editorial responsibilities. She serves as Convener of the New Testament Fachgruppe of the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Theologie (WGTh), co-editor of Meyers Kritisch-exegetischer Kommentar, and co-editor of the De Gruyter series 'Epistula.' Her editorial board memberships include prestigious journals such as New Testament Studies, Journal of Biblical Literature, and Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters. She also contributes to church-related initiatives through her work with the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and the Union Evangelischer Kirchen (UEK). At the University of Münster, Professor Becker teaches a comprehensive curriculum spanning introductory courses on the New Testament to advanced seminars on Pauline epistolography and historical Jesus research. Her teaching reflects her scholarly commitment to both textual analysis and theological interpretation of early Christian writings, preparing students for rigorous academic engagement with biblical texts.
Dr. Katharina D. Sandmeier (Schröder) MA is a Research Fellow at the University of Münster, affiliated with the project "Novum Testamentum Graecum - Editio Critica Maior" under the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences, Humanities and the Arts. She contributes to textual criticism and philological research on biblical manuscripts. Current role: Research Fellow in New Testament textual criticism Contact: k.d.sandmeier@uni-muenster.de Project focus: Greek and Coptic textual traditions of the Gospel of John
Tanja Forderer is a Research Fellow at the University of Tübingen's Faculty of Protestant Theology, affiliated with the Institute of New Testament under Prof. Dr. Michael Tilly at the IAJ. Her work centers on New Testament exegesis, with emphasis on Pauline epistles, gender dynamics, and the Book of Revelation's socio-political context. Her academic journey includes: 2008-2014: Protestant Theology studies at Universities of Tübingen, Hamburg, and Berlin 2014: First Theological Service Examination (Diploma equivalent) 2020: Doctorate from University of Hamburg Dr. Forderer's research explores intersections of ancient power structures, gender, and biblical interpretation. She investigates how early Christian communities navigated Roman imperialism, particularly through Paul's rhetoric in 1 Corinthians and Thessalonians. Her current habilitation project compares narrated violence in Revelation with ancient discourses on domination, revealing how marginalized groups subverted imperial ideologies. This work bridges historical criticism and contemporary theological ethics. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on Pauline communities, divorce jurisprudence, and peace ethics. Recent works analyze Persia's influence on Corinthian church dynamics (2023) and the Lord's Prayer's socio-historical roots (2022), showing progression from textual analysis to broader cultural critique. She has received recognition through: Doctoral Program in Humanities Scholarship, University of Hamburg (2015-2016, 2017-2020) Dr. Forderer's research assistant roles since 2014—including Hamburg's 'Creation and Gender in Early Judaism' project—highlight sustained engagement with gender hermeneutics. She actively contributes to academic discourse through memberships in the European Society of Women in Theological Research and the Association of New Testament Assistants.
Joel Klenk is a researcher at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen , affiliated with the Evangelisch-Theologische Fakultät and the Chair of New Testament III. His work focuses on the theology of Paul, negative theology, and hermeneutics, with a particular interest in ambiguity in religious discourse and the historical context of biblical texts. His research includes the TInCAP digital humanities project and interdisciplinary collaborations on de/sacralization of texts. He has held leadership roles such as Spokesperson and Deputy Speaker of the Protestant Theological Faculty and contributed to the editorial board of the Jerusalem Theological Forum book series. His recent publications address topics like Paul Tillich’s ambiguity framework, cognitive metaphors in Paul’s theology, and responses to fake news in biblical ethics. He has received the Doctoral Prize of the University of Tübingen and scholarships from the DAAD and the German Business Foundation . His awards reflect his excellence in theological research and interdisciplinary engagement. Klenk’s academic career includes roles in the DFG-funded Research Training Group 1808 Ambiguity project and board membership in the Ecumenical Foundation Jerusalem . He has served as a student assistant and study director in theological programs, emphasizing the integration of historical, cultural, and digital methodologies.
Schwemer Anna Maria is an Adjunct Professor of New Testament at the Faculty of Protestant Theology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. She has held a teaching appointment there since 1993 and currently serves as Director of the Philipp-Melanchthon-Stiftung. Her academic journey includes theological studies at Heidelberg and Tübingen (1963–1967, 1978–1981), research positions under Martin Hengel, and habilitation at Erlangen-Nürnberg (1995) and a second habilitation at Tübingen (2000). Her research focuses on New Testament texts, early Christian communities, Jewish apocryphal literature, and Second Temple Judaism. Key works include studies on Qumran texts, Pauline chronology, and the historical context of early Christian martyrdom narratives. She co-authored major monographs on Paul’s early career and Jesus’ messianic claims with Martin Hengel. Publications span over three decades with thematic emphases on: 1) Jewish-Christian relations and their theological developments, 2) textual analysis of apocryphal traditions like the Vitae Prophetarum, 3) Pauline missions in Syria and Antioch, and 4) the intersection of Greco-Roman and Jewish historiography. Recent works (2011–2018) address early Christian communities in Syria, the Trajanic Jewish revolts, and the theological framework of Josephus’ writings. Her academic leadership includes directing the Theologisch-Philologisches Kolleg within the Melanchthon Foundation, which facilitates interdisciplinary theological research and education. Teaching responsibilities have been maintained alongside administrative roles without formal part-time designation.
Daniel Schumann is a Research Fellow in New Testament and Ancient Judaism at the Protestant Theology Faculty of Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. He completed his theological studies in Jena and Leipzig (2002-2011), with additional studies in rabbinic literature at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (2006-2007). He earned his doctorate summa cum laude in 2018 and has held research positions at prestigious institutions including Oxford University (as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow and Keble Research Associate) and the Centre for the Study of the Bible in the Humanities. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (2020-present): Research position under Prof. Dr. Tilly Oxford University (2018-2020): Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow University of Münster (2014-2018): Research position under Prof. Dr. L. Doering University of Tübingen (2012-2014): Research position under Prof. Dr. M. Tilly University of Leipzig (2011-2012): Research position under Prof. Dr. R. Lux Schumann's research focuses on the intersection of New Testament studies and Ancient Judaism, with particular expertise in Rabbinic literature, Second Temple Judaism, and early Christian origins. His work demonstrates how Jewish and Christian traditions developed in dialogue with each other, especially regarding topics like vows, exodus narratives, and anthropological concepts. His scholarship combines textual criticism with historical analysis to illuminate the complex relationship between early Judaism and Christianity. His publications reveal a consistent interest in how Jewish traditions influenced early Christian thought, particularly in Pauline literature and the development of early Christian identity. Schumann's work on the Tosefta and Mishnah provides valuable insights into rabbinic approaches to religious practice that contextualize early Christian developments. Hanns-Lilje-Preis (2020) Schumann has successfully secured significant research funding, including a European Research Council grant (Horizon 2020) for his project on the Dead Sea Scrolls and cognate literature, with total third-party funding amounting to approximately 200,000 euros. His current habilitation project focuses on 'Romans 7 in Context.' He is affiliated with several scholarly societies including the Society of Biblical Literature and the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas.
Prof. Dr. Christian Strecker is a Professor of New Testament at Augustana University Neuendettelsau, where he has held the Chair of New Testament since 2010. He previously served as Vice-Rector (2012–2014) and Rector (2015–2016) of the university. His academic journey includes studies in Protestant theology at multiple universities, ordination as a pastor, and habilitation in New Testament studies with a focus on Jesus research. Strecker’s expertise spans Pauline theology, Jesus studies, cultural anthropology approaches to biblical exegesis, and ritual/performance studies. His teaching emphasizes historical-critical methods, exegetical skills, and exploration of New Testament writings within their socio-cultural contexts. Courses cover early Christian history, Pauline epistles, Gospel studies, and Johannine literature. Strecker’s research integrates interdisciplinary frameworks, such as cultural anthropology and ritual theory, to analyze early Christian practices and theological concepts. Strecker’s publications include monographs like The Liminal Theology of Paul (1999) and Performative Worlds (2002), as well as numerous essays on topics such as ritual studies, Pauline soteriology, and the cultural contexts of early Christian rituals. He has edited journals like Zeitschrift für Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft and contributed to major series like ReligionsKulturen . His work bridges biblical scholarship with contemporary theological debates, addressing issues like honor/shame dynamics, the body in early Christian thought, and the intersection of Pauline theology with imperial politics. Strecker’s research also explores methodological innovations, including performance studies and cultural turns in New Testament interpretation.
Prof. Dr. Angelika Strotmann is a Professor of New Testament at the Institute for Catholic Theology within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Paderborn University, Germany. She has held this position since the summer semester of 2008, following previous academic appointments at the University of Saarland (2001-2001) and Heidelberg University of Education (2002-2008). Her academic career spans over three decades of teaching and research in biblical theology and New Testament studies. Dr. Strotmann earned her doctorate in theology (Dr. theol.) in 1990 from the Phil.-Theol. Hochschule St. Georgen in Frankfurt. Her academic background includes studies in philosophy, Catholic theology, and sociology at the same institution and at Goethe University Frankfurt. She also completed pastoral training from 1992-1994 in Bremen, with specializations in children and youth work, religious education, and women's ministry. Her research focuses primarily on New Testament studies with particular emphasis on the relationship between Jesus and Torah in the Synoptic Gospels, historical Jesus research, and early Jewish-Christian relations. Dr. Strotmann has made significant contributions to understanding Jesus' Jewishness and his relationship to Israel's Torah, which has often been interpreted in anti-Judaistic ways. Her work critically examines how the Synoptic Gospels portray Jesus' understanding of Torah, distinguishing between ethical and ritual aspects of Torah observance. She has also produced a major commentary on 1 Thessalonians and authored the fourth edition (2024) of her influential book 'Der historische Jesus: eine Einführung' (The Historical Jesus: An Introduction). Dr. Strotmann's extensive publication record reveals consistent engagement with gender perspectives in biblical interpretation, Jewish-Christian dialogue, and the socio-historical context of early Christian communities. Her recent work shows growing interest in neighbor love commandments (Leviticus 19), holiness concepts in synoptic tradition, and continuing exploration of the historical Jesus. Her research demonstrates a commitment to addressing anti-Judaistic interpretations of biblical texts and promoting Jewish-Christian understanding. Active member of the European Society of Women in Theological Research (ESWTR) since its founding in 1986 Since November 5, 2018, first chairperson of the German section of ESWTR Member of the Association of Catholic New Testament Scholars (AKN) Active member of the Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation CJZ Paderborn eV, serving on the board and as organizer and speaker Dr. Strotmann leads a research team including Saskia Breuer, Dr. Ariane Cordes, Daniel Wiebe, and Milena Mungiuri-Meißner. Her work frequently involves collaborative projects examining Jewish-Christian relations, with recent edited volumes focusing on Jewish-Christian transformations of biblical texts and memory culture oriented toward Judaism. Her research continues to address critical issues in biblical interpretation that have implications for contemporary Jewish-Christian dialogue and understanding of Jesus' Jewish context.
Wilfried Eisele is a Professor for New Testament at the Faculty of Catholic Theology , University of Tübingen , since April 2017. He specializes in Lucan literature, early Christian transmission processes, and interdisciplinary theological approaches. Education : Theology and Philosophy studies in Tübingen, Jerusalem, and Paris; Magister Artium (2000), Dr. theol. (2002), Habilitation (2010). His research focuses on New Testament exegesis , particularly the Gospel of Luke, Acts of the Apostles, and the Epistle to the Hebrews, with emphasis on hermeneutics, ethical dimensions, and intertextual relationships. Recent projects include interdisciplinary analyses of biblical texts in criminology and art (e.g., Salvador Dalí's Biblia Sacra ). Key publication trends span Lucan theological narratives, historical contexts of early Christianity, and intersections between Scripture, ethics, and culture. His team includes Dr. Lena Lütticke, Dr. Reinhard Stiksel, and Felipe Agudelo Olarte.
