Sébastien Billioud is a Professor at University of Paris Cité and researcher at the French Institute of East Asian Studies (IFRAE) . His work bridges anthropology, sociology, and philosophy to analyze Confucianism's contemporary revival , Yiguandao religious dynamics , and cross-strait cultural/political interactions . Key Research Areas: Modern/contemporary Confucianism New Religious Movements in East Asia Politics-religion interplay in China/Taiwan Charisma and leadership structures Billioud's fieldwork across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China (2009–present) underpins his ethnographic approach. He meticulously documents Yiguandao's expansion , its syncretic practices , and state-religion negotiations , while tracing Confucianism's grassroots resurgence. Selected Publications: Reclaiming the Wilderness (Oxford 2020) Le Sage et le Peuple (CNRS 2014) Thinking Through Confucian Modernity (Brill 2012) Confucianism for the 21st Century (Göttingen 2023) His research reveals interdisciplinary trends in Confucian revivalism, showing how education , ritual innovation , and transnational networks reshape East Asian cultural landscapes. Scientific Recognition: Recipient of Prix Bernheim 2015 (Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres)
Christer Henriksén serves as Professor of Latin at Uppsala University's Department of Linguistics and Philology, a position he has held since 2015 after progressing through the academic ranks from Researcher (2000-2003) to Senior Lecturer (2006-2015). His academic journey includes a PhD in Latin from Uppsala University (1998), Docent status (2002), and a postdoctoral fellowship at Lund University (2003-2004). Henriksén's educational background culminated in his 1998 PhD from Uppsala University, establishing the foundation for his specialization in Latin literature. His academic career demonstrates steady progression within the same institution, reflecting deep institutional commitment and scholarly development in classical studies. Specializing in Roman epigram poetry, particularly the works of Martial, Henriksén's research spans textual analysis, literary theory, and historical context of Latin literature. His expertise extends to epigraphy, with significant contributions to cataloging Greek and Latin inscriptions in Swedish collections. His scholarly approach integrates literary criticism with historical and archaeological evidence, providing comprehensive insights into Roman cultural practices, social structures, and poetic forms. Henriksén has established himself as a leading authority on intratextuality in Martial's epigrams and the relationship between epigram and other literary genres in ancient Rome. Henriksén's publication record reveals a consistent scholarly trajectory from detailed textual analysis to broader theoretical frameworks. His early work focused on specific epigrams and historical contexts, while his more recent publications demonstrate increasing engagement with comprehensive scholarly resources and theoretical approaches to epigram studies. The recurring themes in his research include the political dimensions of Roman poetry, mourning practices reflected in sepulchral epitaphs, and the representation of marginalized figures in imperial society. As an academic leader, Henriksén serves as Deputy Head of Department (2019-present) and Director of Graduate Studies (2016-present) at Uppsala University. He has chaired multiple committees including the Nominating Committee of the Faculty of Languages (2017-2019) and the Equal Opportunity Committee (2009-2012), demonstrating significant administrative contributions to his institution. Henriksén maintains an active international scholarly presence as a Member of the Board of the Swedish Institute in Rome and the Villa San Michele in Capri (2020-present), building on his previous role as Deputy member of this board (2007-2019). His work bridges Swedish academic traditions with international classical scholarship, particularly through his contributions to major reference works and his editorial responsibilities for significant publications in the field.
Orell Witthuhn is a Lecturer for special tasks and Study Coordinator for the Ancient Cultures program at the Department of Egyptology and Coptic Studies , Georg-August-University Göttingen. Previously, they studied Egyptology at Philipps University of Marburg, earning a Master of Arts in 1997, with minors in Classical Archaeology and Philosophy. Research Interests : Ancient Egyptian religion, death and the afterlife, cultural and historical narratives, funerary practices, and cross-cultural exchange in the Mediterranean. Editorial Roles : Editor-in-Chief of the Scientific Literature Index (WLA) (2006–present) and co-editor of volumes like Architecture, Inscriptions, and Monuments of Ancient Egypt and Concepts of Death and the Afterlife . Witthuhn’s recent publications focus on Egyptian death rituals , mythological texts , and imperial structures of the New Kingdom, with sub-fields spanning funerary symbolism, spatial concepts, and historical networks. They actively organize exhibitions (e.g., Bilder des Orients , 2007) and lead academic excursions to Egypt and the Mediterranean. Voluntary roles include Secretary of the Herzberg Local History Association (since 2020) and former Treasurer of the Marburg Association for the Promotion of Egyptology (2001–2010).
Christian Ammitzbøll Thomsen serves as Associate Professor at the SAXO-Institute, University of Copenhagen, specializing in Ancient Greek history. His research bridges political, social, and migratory dimensions of the classical and Hellenistic polis , with particular focus on membership regimes and civic associations. Research Focus: Thomsen's primary work examines Migrants and Membership Regimes in the Ancient Greek World (400 BCE - 100 CE) , funded by a Sapere Aude grant. This project investigates how migration shaped Greek communities through multifaceted membership regimes governed by law, custom, and negotiation. His recent monograph The Politics of Association in Hellenistic Rhodes (Edinburgh University Press, 2023) explores the integration of social hierarchies into democratic institutions. Publication Trends: Analysis of his 24 research outputs (2012-2024) reveals consistent engagement with epigraphy, migration studies, and civic associations. His work spans peer-reviewed journals ( Acta Archaeologica , Aigis ), academic book chapters, and frequent contributions to Weekendavisen 's Ideer section where he translates complex historical concepts for public discourse. Key recurring themes include gender dynamics in religious practices, metic status negotiation, and the materiality of social organization. Major Award: Sapere Aude Research Grant from the Danish Council for Independent Research Media Engagement: 28 recorded activities including 21 lectures, 3 conference participations, and 2 press contributions (Ghandi, 2015; Religious Associations, 2012) Thomsen actively collaborates with international researchers through initiatives like the Copenhagen-Edinburgh Graduate Course in Greek Epigraphy (2021), demonstrating commitment to training next-generation scholars in primary source analysis.
Lasse Christian Arboe Sonne serves as an Associate Professor at the SAXO Institute within the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Copenhagen. His academic profile centers on Viking Age societies and medieval Scandinavian history, with particular expertise in religious transformations and calendrical systems during this period. He maintains active scholarly engagement through research publications and teaching activities focused on early medieval Northern Europe. Professor Sonne's research spans Viking Age history, the evolution of religious practices in pre-Christian Scandinavia, and medieval timekeeping systems. His work integrates archaeological evidence, historical texts, and anthropological perspectives to analyze societal structures, settlement patterns, and cultural exchanges. Current investigations examine runestone inscriptions, Viking expansion dynamics, and the political narratives surrounding figures like Svend Estridsen, revealing complex interactions between indigenous traditions and external influences. His recent publications (2016-2017) demonstrate concentrated scholarship on Viking Age archaeology and medieval Danish society. Literature reviews critically assess works on Hebridean settlements, urban development, and numismatics, while book chapters explore political biography and literary representations of paganism. These outputs collectively highlight interdisciplinary methodologies bridging history, archaeology, and religious studies, with recurring themes of cultural memory, identity formation, and the material manifestations of religious change in medieval Scandinavia.
Richard Last serves as Associate Professor in Cultural Studies and Ancient Greek and Roman Studies at Trent University since 2017, following a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship at York University (2015-2017). His academic journey spans interdisciplinary training in religious studies and ancient history across three major Canadian institutions. His educational foundation includes: BA in Religion (York University) MA in Ancient History (McMaster University) PhD in Religious Studies (University of Toronto) Last's research pioneers intersections between ancient religious practices, social structures, and contemporary political theory. He investigates non-normative speech phenomena (demon possession, magical formulas, disfluency) within Roman imperial contexts while analyzing voluntary associations' social capital. His distinctive approach bridges classical philology with modern political discourse through the 'preternatural in the United States' research stream, revealing enduring patterns in how societies negotiate supernatural claims. Analysis of his 11 recent publications (2020-2025) shows concentrated output in religious studies (7 articles), epigraphy (5), and social history of antiquity (9), with increasing methodological sophistication in combining textual and material evidence. Key journals include Harvard Theological Review and Journal of Biblical Literature, reflecting disciplinary leadership. His principal recognition includes: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015-2017) Last currently directs an SSHRC Insight Development Grant project on non-normative speech while co-authoring the fourth volume of Greco-Roman Associations . His collaborative network spans York University (Harland), University of Toronto (Kloppenborg), and international scholars through multi-author volumes. Though student supervision details aren't public, his active research program suggests graduate mentorship in cultural studies and ancient history. Embedded in Trent's academic community through Lady Eaton College, Last contributes to cultural studies without a formal laboratory structure, instead collaborating through research centers focused on Mediterranean antiquity and early Christianity.
Alberto Puppo is a Full-time Professor in the Academic Department of Law within the Academic Division of Social Sciences at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). He holds a distinguished position as a member of the National System of Researchers at Level II, reflecting his significant contributions to legal scholarship in Mexico. Professor Puppo serves as Director of the journal Isonomía. Journal of Legal Theory and Philosophy and Coordinator of the García Máynez Seminar on Philosophy of Law since 2015. His academic journey began with a law degree from the University of Genoa (Italy) followed by a PhD in Analytic Philosophy and General Theory of Law from the University of Milan (Italy). Before joining ITAM in 2012, Professor Puppo spent over thirteen years teaching at various institutions in France, where he was certified as a Maître de Conférence in both Philosophy and Public Law. His teaching experience spans multiple disciplines including Legal Italian at University of Paris X - Nanterre, Legal Theory and Constitutional Law at University of Cergy-Pontoise, European Union Law at Institut supérieur de préparation aux grandes écoles, and Bioethics at Centre Epsilon. He has trained in the Genoese legal realism school under Paolo Comanducci and Riccardo Guastini, who carried on Giovanni Tarello's legacy. Professor Puppo's research interests center on the philosophy of law with special emphasis on Hans Kelsen's legal theory, international peace, and Judaism. His work examines the relationship between international pacifism and Jewish thought, exploring whether religious dimensions might inform legal frameworks aimed at achieving peace. He investigates the functional disanalogy between domestic rule of law and humanity-based international law, arguing that radical indeterminacy presents significant challenges to implementing the rule of law in international contexts related to human protection. His publications span topics including normative hierarchies, ius cogens, counter-terrorism law, and the intersections between religion and jurisprudence. Professor Puppo's scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with fundamental questions in legal theory. His most notable recent publication is Why Religion? Towards a Critical Philosophy of Law, Peace and God (2020), which explores the connections between religion, jurisprudence, and peace. His articles consistently examine how legal frameworks might be structured to promote peace while respecting human rights and maintaining normative stability. National System of Researchers: Level II Professor Puppo actively participates in academic leadership and research collaboration. He currently serves as Director of the journal Isonomía and Coordinator of the García Máynez Seminar, providing platforms for legal scholarship in Mexico. He is also participating in the Papiit Project (UNAM-IIJ) on Sources of International Law, coordinated by Manuel Becerra, demonstrating his commitment to collaborative research. His work bridges theoretical legal philosophy with practical concerns about international peace and human rights protection, making significant contributions to both Mexican and international legal scholarship.
François de Callataÿ is an archaeologist and art historian specializing in Hellenistic history. He holds multiple prestigious academic positions: professor at the Free University of Brussels, director of studies at the École pratique des hautes études in Paris, and head of department at the Royal Library of Belgium. His research focuses on: Archaeology and art history of the Hellenistic period Numismatics (study of coins) Ancient Egyptian history and culture The representation and reception of historical figures, particularly Cleopatra Aesthetics and cultural interpretation Professor de Callataÿ's recent work examines the evolving image of Cleopatra throughout history, analyzing how cultural biases and contemporary perspectives have shaped her representation over centuries. His research reveals how Cleopatra's image has been increasingly sexualized and culturally reinterpreted, reflecting changing societal attitudes rather than historical accuracy. His approach combines archaeological evidence with cultural analysis to separate historical fact from modern mythmaking. His scholarly contributions have been recognized with the prestigious Francqui Prize in 2007, and he maintains dual membership in the Royal Academy of Belgium (Class of Letters and Moral and Political Sciences) and the Institut de France (as a foreign corresponding member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres). Professor de Callataÿ's work bridges academic research and public understanding of classical antiquity, making significant contributions to how contemporary society engages with historical narratives and cultural memory.
Professor Danuta Okoń is a distinguished historian of Antiquity at the University of Szczecin, where she serves as Head of the Department of Ancient History within the Institute of History and International Relations. She has been employed at the University since 1990 and has led the Department since 2010. Professor Okoń specializes in Latin epigraphy and Roman prosopography, with particular expertise in the social and political history of the Roman Empire under the Principate. Her research focuses extensively on the Severan dynasty period (193-235 AD), examining senatorial careers, imperial personnel policies, and political structures. She has established herself as a leading authority through her comprehensive 'Album senatorum' series and numerous scholarly articles that analyze consular appointments and senatorial dynamics during this critical period of Roman history. Her publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on Roman senatorial studies, particularly during the Severan period. Recent works (2019-2021) have examined military tribunate in senatorial careers, revealing new insights about the integration of military service in political advancement during this era. Her scholarship shows sophisticated methodological approaches combining epigraphic evidence with prosopographic analysis to reconstruct historical patterns. Professor Okoń has received significant recognition for her scholarly contributions, including the golden KEN (Committee for National Education) medal. She is an active member of numerous prestigious academic organizations including the Polish Phillogical Association, Association Internationale d'Épigraphie Grecque et Latine, Athens Institute for Education and Research, Polish Society for Ancient Studies, and the Committee on Ancient Culture of the Polish Academy of Sciences. From 2011 to 2013, she served as Chair of the Committee for the Ancient History of the Polish Historical Association. Her academic leadership extends to editorial work on significant publications including 'Elites in the Ancient World' and participation in international scholarly dialogues. Professor Okoń maintains regular office hours (Thursdays, 12-2 p.m.) and continues to contribute actively to the field through ongoing research and publication.
Brett Evans serves as Assistant Professor of Classics at Connecticut College since 2023 and holds a Faculty Fellowship at the Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement. His academic appointment centers on classical philology and ancient cultural history within the institution's liberal arts framework. His educational trajectory includes a B.A. in Classics and Chemistry from the College of William and Mary, an M.A. from the University of Bristol as a Fulbright scholar, and dual M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia. Evans specializes in Hellenistic court literature, employing Bourdieu's theories of cultural capital to analyze how Greek poets competed for status against tangible contributors like admirals and diplomats. His work bridges literary analysis with material evidence from coins, papyri, and inscriptions, revealing how ancient narratives reflect human values and social structures. He teaches all levels of Greek and Latin while exploring classical legacies in contemporary culture. His publication pattern shows consistent focus on Hellenistic poetry and epigraphy, with increasing attention to intercultural exchange in regions like Armenia and Anatolia. Recent works demonstrate methodological diversity through textual criticism, ritual studies, and socio-political analysis of court dynamics. His recognition includes: Georgetown University Career Champion award (2023) Fulbright scholar designation during Bristol studies With over a decade of fellowship advising experience, Evans mentors students for Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, and other elite programs across all disciplines. His student development work extends to graduate school applications and career preparation, evidenced by Georgetown's institutional recognition. While specific grant details aren't provided, his fellowship success rate implies substantial grant-writing support for students. No dedicated laboratories or research teams are mentioned in available materials, though his collaborative publications with editors like Klooster and Panoussi indicate interdisciplinary scholarly networks.
Isabelle Garat is a Teacher-researcher (Maître de Conférences with Habilitation to Direct Research) at Nantes University, affiliated with the ESO research unit (UMR ESO). She is part of Axis 3 of UMR ESO: 'The (re)localization of politics: a process under tension (2022-2027)' and connected to ESO site ch. 10 - FILM. Her work focuses on urban geography with specialization in housing policies, socio-demographic divisions, and urban politics in metropolitan areas. Garat's research interests center on the (re)localization of politics and implementation methods of public policies related to housing and heritage. She examines housing stakeholders in local urban areas (metropolis, medium-sized towns), focusing on co-existences, representations, gaps, adjustments, and regulations. Her work particularly investigates resident practices and representations of housing, with emphasis on densification, solidarity, neighborhood, or district dynamics in metropolitan contexts. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on social housing geography, co-ownership arrangements in reconstructed city centers, and urban resistance movements. The research shows consistent thematic development across three decades, with increasing attention to metropolitan governance, housing inequalities, and the spatial dimensions of social policies. Her work bridges theoretical geographical frameworks with practical urban policy analysis, particularly in the Nantes metropolitan context. Garat has served as head of the Master's program in Urban Planning and Development since 2017. She supervises doctoral students including Remy Blans (2024 thesis on housing's influence on study trajectories) and Laura Mehtali (2020 thesis on contesting metropolitan projects). She is actively involved in significant research initiatives including the PUCA program (2022-2025) on co-ownerships in reconstructed cities and the Social Atlas of the Nantes metropolitan area (since 2019). Her research methodology combines quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative fieldwork, particularly evident in her studies of informal solidarity practices among older populations in Nantes and Orvault. She maintains strong institutional connections with urban planning agencies and housing authorities through her jury membership for social housing publications (Union sociale de l'Habitat, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations).
Mevlüt POYRAZ is an Associate Professor in the Department of Islamic History and Arts at the Faculty of Theology, Artvin Coruh University, Turkey. He has served as an academician since 2016 following prior roles as an Imam-Hatip at the Presidency of Religious Affairs (2001-2004) and a teacher at the Ministry of National Education (2004-2016). His academic credentials include: Bachelor of Theology, Atatürk University (1996-2001) Master's in Islamic History, Atatürk University (2005-2009) Ph.D. in Islamic History, Atatürk University (2009-2015) Dr. POYRAZ specializes in Islamic historical studies with emphasis on early Islamic political structures , Prophetic biography , Ottoman regional history , and Crusader-era conflicts . His research critically examines primary sources including Quranic interpretations, hadith literature, and Ottoman-era documents to reconstruct historical narratives. He frequently investigates theological dimensions of historical events and analyzes socio-political dynamics in early Islamic governance. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a concentrated focus on Caliphal history, Battle of Karbala interpretations, and Ottoman-era Anatolian studies. Methodologically, he combines textual criticism with archaeological evidence (e.g., tombstone inscriptions) and cross-references Islamic sources with Christian historical accounts. Key thematic trends include political correspondence analysis, dream interpretation in early Islam, and regional Islamization processes in Northeastern Anatolia. Dr. POYRAZ has contributed to national research projects: Traces of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Ottoman Medical History in the Artvin Region (2022-2023) Ottoman Era Tombstones in OrtaHopa Cemetery (2022-2024) He served as Department Head in 2020 and teaches undergraduate courses including Islamic History I/II, Ottoman History, Siyer, and Turkish-Islamic Arts History. No doctoral or master's students are listed in available records.
Alberto Manco is a Full Professor of Glottology and General Linguistics (SSD L-LIN/01) at the University of Naples L'Orientale, Department of Literary, Linguistic and Comparative Studies. He coordinates the doctoral program in Literary, Linguistic and Comparative Studies since November 2023 and has served as Director of the linguistic section of AIΩN Annals since 2014. His academic career spans multiple decades with significant contributions across linguistic theory, historical linguistics, and comics linguistics. Professor Manco earned his PhD in Theory of Languages and Language through a co-tutelle program with the University of Chambéry, France. His educational background has informed his interdisciplinary approach to linguistic research, bridging historical, theoretical, and applied perspectives across multiple linguistic traditions. His primary research interests include Glottology, General Linguistics, Textual Linguistics, Historical Linguistics, and the Linguistic Analysis of Comics. He has made significant contributions to gender linguistics, toponymy, ethnonyms, and translation studies. Professor Manco's work consistently explores the intersection between linguistic theory and cultural phenomena, particularly through analysis of comics and popular culture. His research demonstrates a strong focus on how language functions in historical contexts and contemporary media, with special attention to psychomechanics of language and pertextuality. His extensive publication record shows consistent scholarly output with emphasis on theoretical linguistics, particularly regarding Guillaume's linguistic theory, historical etymology, and linguistic phenomena in comics. Professor Manco has also made notable contributions to gender linguistics and political discourse analysis in social media, demonstrating his ability to connect traditional linguistic scholarship with contemporary communication forms. FFABR 2017 research grant from MIUR Bourse Roch Valin from Université Laval du Québec President of the Center for Italian Language and Culture in Tbilisi, Georgia As an educator, Professor Manco teaches General Linguistics for the undergraduate program in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation and Textual Linguistics for multiple Master's programs. He has supervised numerous doctoral students through his role on the doctoral committee. His research has been supported by multiple grants, including serving as Principal Investigator for the PRIN 2020 project "Atlante linguistico multimediale dell'Italia intramediana antica." Professor Manco actively participates in international academic collaborations, including Erasmus exchanges with universities in Romania and France, and has organized numerous international conferences. His work bridges multiple linguistic traditions and fosters cross-cultural academic dialogue, reflecting his commitment to expanding linguistic scholarship beyond national boundaries.
Seraina Nett serves as a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen. Her research integrates Assyriology with digital methodologies to investigate ancient West Asian societies through Sumerian and Akkadian texts from 2100-1200 BCE. Education: PhD in Assyriology, Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, University of Copenhagen Research Focus: Dr. Nett specializes in social and economic history of the Ancient Near East, examining interactions between linguistic/ethnic groups through interdisciplinary frameworks. Her linguistic research analyzes multilingualism and structural features of Sumerian and Akkadian, while her Digital Humanities work pioneers computational tools for cuneiform analysis, including geospatial mapping and quantitative indices for textual corpora. Publication Trends: Recent output (2023-2025) reveals three dominant themes: 1) Digital innovation in cuneiform studies (e.g., CIGS-AE index development), 2) Geospatial analysis of textual landscapes, and 3) Public engagement addressing historical misrepresentation in contemporary discourse. This reflects a strategic shift toward methodological advancement while maintaining core expertise in ancient socioeconomics. Professional Engagement: Dr. Nett actively shapes her field through conference organization including the Nordic Summer School on Digital Applications in Assyriology (2022-2024) and peer review for archaeology journals. Her media appearances in podcasts like Thin End of the Wedge demonstrate commitment to public scholarship. Research Infrastructure: She co-leads collaborative projects such as Geomapping Landscapes of Writing and the CIGS-AE initiative, developing digital frameworks that integrate material culture with textual analysis to reconstruct ancient writing ecosystems.
Juan E. Campo is Chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and History of Religions at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He holds a BA in History ( magna cum laude ) from the University of Southern California and an MA/PhD from the University of Chicago. His administrative leadership includes serving as Director of the UC Education Abroad Program (2010-2023) and Co-Director of the Center for Middle East Studies. Professor Campo's research specializes in: Comparative Islamic spatial practices and pilgrimage traditions Religious domestic spaces in Muslim contexts Contemporary manifestations of religion in the Middle East, South Asia, and global diasporas Interdisciplinary approaches to religious material culture and visual representations His publications demonstrate consistent focus on Islamic spatiality, ritual practices, and cross-cultural religious expressions. Recent works explore talismanic architecture, pilgrimage visualizations, and theoretical frameworks for religious space. Earlier foundational research established his expertise in domestic religious practices and critical analyses of Islamic representation. Notable scientific awards: American Academy of Religion's Award for Excellence (1991) New York Public Library 'Best of Reference' Award (2010) Professor Campo has extensive international fieldwork experience, having directed UC study centers in Cairo, Delhi, and Hyderabad. He currently leads projects documenting Comoros Islands' Islamic heritage and comparative global pilgrimages.