John Mullen is a Professor at the University of Rouen Normandy, affiliated with the UFR Letters and Human Sciences. His research focuses on the history of British popular music, the First World War, and cultural studies. He is a member of the ERIAC research group and has held editorial roles, including as editor of the Revue française de civilisation britannique . Mullen has authored and edited numerous books, including Popular Song in the First World War: an International Perspective and The Show Must Go On: Popular Song in Britain during the First World War . His work explores the intersection of music, society, and conflict, with particular attention to wartime propaganda, cultural memory, and popular entertainment industries. He has participated in international conferences, media appearances (including on France 24 and BBC Radio), and public lectures on topics ranging from Brexit to BBC history. Mullen also contributes to teaching at various academic levels, including preparation for the agrégation and master's courses in British civilization. His research extends to the analysis of popular music’s societal roles, the historiography of the BBC, and the social dimensions of music hall culture.
Siegfried Zielinski is a renowned media theorist and Professor of Media Theory at The European Graduate School / EGS, holding the Michel Foucault Chair. He concurrently serves as Chair of Media Theory at Berlin University of Arts, Honorary Professor at Budapest University of Arts, and curator at the ZKM Karlsruhe. His academic career spans roles as founding director of the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (1994–2001) and Rector of the Karlsruhe University of Arts & Design (2016–2018). Zielinski’s education includes studies in theatre arts, German literature, semiotics, and philosophy at Marburg and Berlin universities. His research focuses on media archaeology, variantology, and the intersection of technology with cultural practices. Key works include Deep Time of the Media (2006) and the Variantology series (2011), exploring deep historical connections between arts, sciences, and technologies. His curatorial projects include exhibitions like Without Ground – Vilém Flusser and the Arts (2015–2016) and Art in Motion (2018–2020), emphasizing interdisciplinary and historical perspectives. He is a member of prestigious academies, including the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Arts and European Film Academy. Zielinski’s academic contributions span teaching, research, and curation, with over 200 essays and numerous books. His recent work focuses on the genealogy of media thinking and collaborative exhibitions exploring historical technological innovations like Islamic automata.
Catherine Mary Cobham is an Honorary Lecturer at the School of Modern Languages, University of St Andrews . Her research focuses on modern Arabic fiction, particularly Iraqi literature from the mid-20th century, and she emphasizes textual analysis within cultural and literary contexts. She has translated works by prominent Arab writers like Mahmoud Darwish and Naguib Mahfouz, contributing to cross-cultural literary exchange. Education: BA (University of Leeds), MA (University of Manchester). Research Interests: Includes religion, gender, and popular culture in Arabic fiction; analysis of literary form in works by Yusuf Idris, Naguib Mahfouz, and others; and the influence of Western literary movements (e.g., James Joyce) on Arab writers like Abd al-Malik Nuri. She explores postcolonial narratives and the poetics of space in Iraqi literature. Translations: Notable works include The Occasional Virgin (Hanan al-Shaykh), A River Dies of Thirst (Mahmud Darwish), and The Harafish (Naguib Mahfouz). Awards: Recipient of the Arberry Memorial Prize (1975) for Arabic literature. Teaching: Offers modules on advanced Arabic language, Arabic short stories, exile and identity, and Palestinian fiction. Contributes to comparative literature and postcolonial Arabic novel courses. Grants/Activities: Co-Investigator on the UGC-UKIERI Thematic Partnerships Award (2014-2016). Engages in external examining for PhD and master's theses at UK universities. Active in academic conferences and workshops.
Marco Cipolloni is a Full Professor in the Department of Methods and Models for Economy, Territory and Finance at Sapienza University of Rome, specializing in Spanish and Iberian historical and literary studies. His work bridges humanities and social sciences with a focus on Spain's political and cultural evolution from the late 19th century to contemporary periods. His research spans Spanish History , Hispanic Literature , and Iberian Studies , with particular expertise in: Political democratization processes during Canovist Spain and the Second Republic Vanguardist humor movements and literary representations of war Catalan nationalism and Eurosceptic discourses Transatlantic cultural exchanges between Spain, Italy, and Latin America Interwar connections between Spanish and Weimar German political cultures Analysis of his 2015-2024 publications reveals a consistent methodology examining literature as political discourse, with recurring themes of national identity construction, historical memory, and linguistic strategies in crisis periods. His most significant contributions analyze Catalan compound words as political markers and the digital-age reinterpretation of Civil War narratives. While no specific advisory roles or research grants are disclosed in available materials, his institutional profile indicates active scholarly engagement through Sapienza University's framework for degree courses and research dissemination.
Dr. Charles L. Hughes is an Associate Professor of History and Urban Studies at Rhodes College , with research interests in Popular Culture , African American Music , and Disability History . His work explores the intersection of music and historical change in the American South. Education: Ph.D. in U.S. History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2012) M.A. in African American Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison B.A. in African American Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Interests: His academic output focuses on the racial politics of music genres like country, soul, and hip-hop, disability representation in popular culture, and Memphis's urban history. He bridges music criticism with historical analysis. Scientific Awards: Best Music Book of 2015 by Rolling Stone Best Music Book of 2015 by No Depression Advising and Grants: While no specific students or grants are listed, Hughes contributes to Southern Cultures journal and co-edits the American Music Series at the University of Texas Press. He participates in public scholarship via the Teaching Hard History podcast. Labs and Teams: Hughes co-founded the digital music newsletter No Fences Review and directed the Lynne & Henry Turley Memphis Center from 2015–2024, emphasizing cultural and historical research.
Prof. Alexander Nikolov serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Ancient History, Thracian Studies and Medieval History at Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski's Faculty of History in Bulgaria. His office (room 39) hosts Thursday office hours from 11:00-13:00, with contact via phone (+359) 2 9308 321 or email aleksandur@uni-sofia.bg. His academic credentials include: National College for Ancient Languages and Cultures (1982) MA in History, University of Sofia (1989) MA in Medieval Studies, Central European University, Budapest (1996) PhD in History, University of Sofia (2004) MPhil in Medieval Studies, Central European University, Budapest (2008) Specializing in Vatican Secret Archive research (1990-1991) and Modern Greek/Byzantine Studies (Vienna, 1998), his scholarly work centers on Medieval History with emphasis on Crusades historiography, migration patterns in frontier societies, and proto-national identity formation. His publications critically examine how medieval Balkan ethnic interactions—particularly involving Cumans, Uzes, and Bulgarians—shaped regional integration and cultural memory. Recent publications (2010-2013) reveal three dominant trajectories: reinterpretation of Bulgar ethnogenesis amid post-communist 'parahistory' phenomena, analysis of Crusader-era Christian-Muslim relations through texts like William of Tripoli's treatise, and investigations into how medieval migration patterns influenced Balkan frontier societies. His work consistently bridges Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Western European historical spheres while interrogating modern nationalist appropriations of medieval history. Professional affiliations include: Association of Byzantinologists and Medievalists in Bulgaria Bulgarian Historical Association Mediaevalia: Association for Medieval European and Mediterranean Research His research includes the 'Inter-Cultural Dialogue Bulgaria-Turkey' project (2008-2009). As an educator, he contributes significantly to Bulgarian secondary history curricula through textbooks covering Slavic-Bulgarian history and European civilization, though specific advisee relationships aren't documented. His departmental leadership focuses on integrating Thracian studies with broader medieval Balkan research frameworks.
Topias Tanskanen is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Researcher at Åbo Academy, affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities, Psychology and Theology and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. He holds a Doctor of Theology degree awarded in 2023 and a Master of Theology from the same institution. Doctor of Theology, Åbo Academy (2023) Master of Theology, Åbo Academy (2018) His research focuses on biblical studies, particularly the Book of Jubilees, Psalms, Torah, and Abrahamic traditions, with a strong interest in exegesis, interreligious dialogue (especially between early Christian and rabbinic traditions), and Bible translation. He has been actively publishing since 2018, with a surge in scholarly output from 2023 onward, including articles, book chapters, and reviews in Finnish academic and public theology journals such as Perusta . His recent publications demonstrate deep engagement with Second Temple Judaism, early Syriac Christianity (especially Aphrahat), and contemporary theological discourse. Themes of universalism and particularism, scriptural reception, and translation theory recur across his work. He frequently participates in academic events, both as an organizer and speaker, including panels on Bible translation and exegesis. Dr. Tanskanen is actively involved in academic service, including organizing research workshops and presenting at conferences. His work bridges scholarly rigor and public theological engagement, particularly in the Finnish context.
Melani McAlister is Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at the George Washington University, where she has been a faculty member since 1996. Her research and teaching focus on transnational U.S. history, religion and politics, media and cultural history, and U.S. engagements with the Middle East and Africa. She is a leading scholar in the cultural dimensions of American foreign relations and evangelical internationalism. Education: PhD in American Studies, Brown University, 1996 BA in International Affairs, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 1984 (Morehead Scholar) Her research interests include: Transnational U.S. History and Global Visions Religion and Politics, particularly Evangelical Christianity U.S.-Middle East and U.S.-Africa Cultural Encounters Media, Popular Culture, and Digital Humanities Humanitarianism and Affective Politics in the Cold War Postcolonial and Decolonial Solidarity Movements McAlister’s recent publications reveal a sustained engagement with the cultural history of American foreign policy, the global circulation of religious and artistic expressions, and the emotional and moral frameworks shaping U.S. internationalism. Her work spans books, edited volumes, journal articles, and public scholarship in major outlets like The New York Times and The Atlantic. She has pioneered digital humanities projects such as Remembering Biafra and the GWU Covid and Culture Project , demonstrating a commitment to public and collaborative scholarship. Scientific Awards and Fellowships: Harvard-Radcliffe Fellow (2023–24) NEH Fellowship Fellow, Davis Center for Historical Studies, Princeton Faculty Fellow, Annenberg School, University of Pennsylvania Fellow, Center for the Study of Religion, Princeton Morehead Scholar, UNC-Chapel Hill Advising and Grants: While no direct student advisees are listed, McAlister has supervised graduate students through GWU’s American Studies PhD program and offers detailed advice on graduate education. She has led grant-funded projects including the NEH-supported Remembering Biafra and has received institutional and national fellowships supporting her research. She co-edits major scholarly volumes and serves on editorial boards of American Historical Review , Modern American History , and Diplomatic History . Labs and Research Teams: McAlister directs digital history initiatives and collaborative research projects. She led the Remembering Biafra project, which involved a major conference and digital archive. She also co-edited a special issue of American Quarterly titled From Anarchy to Chaos: Generations of Empire , assembling a broad scholarly team. Her current work on The Art of Solidarity involves transnational cultural case studies and builds on collaborative networks in American Studies.
Dr Gareth Evans-Jones is a Lecturer in Religious Studies at Bangor University, affiliated with the School of History, Law and Social Sciences. He completed his BA, MA, and PhD at Bangor, with AHRC-funded research on Welsh religious responses to 19th-century American slavery. He teaches across philosophy, religion, ethics, and literature, and is co-director of the National Centre for Religious Education in Wales. Bachelor of Arts in Welsh and Religious Studies, Bangor University (2012) MA in Welsh and Creative Writing, Bangor University PhD in Religious Studies (AHRC-funded), joint supervision by School of Philosophy and Religion and School of Welsh His research spans biblical studies, religion and literature, ethics, slavery, Judaism, Christianity, Zionism, and Welsh diasporic identity. He explores how religion shapes ethical discourse in historical and contemporary contexts, particularly in relation to slavery, ecology, and national identity. His creative work intersects with his academic interests, especially in Holocaust representation and queer narratives. His recent publications include books on Welsh responses to slavery, LGBTQ+ anthologies, and Holocaust fiction. His scholarly and creative output frequently engages with themes of exile, identity, morality, and interfaith dialogue, often rooted in Welsh cultural and religious history. Literature Wales Book of the Year (Creative Nonfiction) – 2023 AmGen National Eisteddfod Playwright Medal – 2021 Conwy County National Eisteddfod Playwright Medal – 2019 British Society of Authors Grant – 2021 Welsh Medium Education Award – 2019 AHRC Scholarship – 2014 He supervises MA/MRes and PhD students in religious studies, philosophy, literature, and slavery. He is actively involved in public engagement, including school outreach, media appearances, and festival events. As co-director of the National Centre for Religious Education in Wales, he works to strengthen RE in schools. He serves as Personal Tutor and holds administrative roles in communications and civic mission within his school. He is associated with several academic and civic organizations, including the Council of Christians and Jews, the Higher Education Academy, and Bangor University’s Senate. He is also co-editor of the academic journal Ysgrifau Beirniadol [Critical Essays].
Luis van Isschot is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Arts and Science, based at the St. George campus. His research and teaching focus on modern Latin America, with specializations in Colombia, human rights, political violence, social movements, and the Inter-American Human Rights System. Education: PhD, McGill University Luis van Isschot's research centers on the history of human rights, particularly in violent and authoritarian contexts. He explores how civil society, grassroots movements, and international legal mechanisms have responded to state and corporate violence in Latin America. His work combines historical analysis with oral history and legal advocacy, emphasizing the role of popular tribunals, truth commissions, and transnational justice. Key interests include the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the criminalization of protest, and the social origins of human rights activism. His publications reveal a sustained engagement with transitional justice, rural conflict, and the intersection of memory, land, and law. He has written extensively on the Bertrand Russell Tribunal, the Permanent Peoples Tribunal, and Colombia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. His work bridges academic scholarship and human rights practice, often contributing expert testimony in international legal cases. Scientific Awards: Faculty Research Fellow, Jackman Humanities Institute, University of Toronto (2025–2026) Luis van Isschot has supervised graduate students and contributed to academic leadership as Director of the Latin American Studies program (2022–2024). His research has been supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). He is actively involved in collaborative research, notably with the Observatoire Violences, criminalisation et démocratie en Amérique latine at the University of Ottawa, which investigates the criminalization of protest across Latin America. His current projects include a study of foreign-owned oil enclaves and a social history of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
Robert Trent Vinson is Director & Chair of the Carter G. Woodson Institute for African American & African Studies at the University of Virginia and a Research Associate at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. He is a leading scholar in African and African Diaspora history, with a focus on transnational connections between southern Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. His academic leadership includes directing a major research institute and contributing to national conversations on race, history, and institutional memory. Education: Ph.D. in African History, Howard University His research centers on 19th and 20th-century African and African Diaspora history, particularly examining how ideas of Black liberation, racial identity, and political movements circulated transnationally. He explores how African Americans influenced anti-apartheid thought in South Africa and how African leaders like Albert Luthuli shaped global civil rights discourse. His work bridges archival research with cultural analysis, emphasizing the interconnectedness of African and African-descended communities across continents. The recent publications reflect a consistent engagement with transnational Black histories, documentary sources, and the politics of memory. His scholarly output spans biographies of key African leaders, analyses of liberation ideologies, and investigations into cultural representations of African identities in the West. The trend highlights a deep commitment to uncovering marginalized narratives and fostering academic dialogue across national boundaries. Professional Leadership: President, Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora (ASWAD) Board Member, African Studies Association Editorial Board, Michigan State University Press Editorial Board, Safundi: The Journal of South African and American Studies Vinson has played a pivotal role in academic advising and institutional scholarship, particularly through his leadership of the Lemon Project at William & Mary, which investigated the university's historical ties to slavery and segregation. His work supports graduate research, public history initiatives, and collaborative scholarship. While specific grants are not listed, his book contracts with academic presses and leadership in major scholarly organizations indicate sustained research funding and institutional support. He is affiliated with the Carter G. Woodson Institute, a leading center for African American and African studies, which hosts fellows, sponsors lectures, and produces critical scholarship on race, history, and culture. The institute functions as a hub for interdisciplinary research and dialogue, amplifying voices from across the African world.
Professor Emma Stafford is a leading scholar in Greek culture at the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds, within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. She was appointed Professor in 2020, having joined Leeds in 2000 and promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2005. Her work bridges classical scholarship with public engagement and interdisciplinary research. Her educational background includes a BA in Classics from New Hall, Cambridge, an MA from Cambridge, and a PhD from University College London. She held teaching positions at Royal Holloway, Birkbeck, and the University of Leicester before joining the University of Wales, Lampeter in 1995, where she completed her PhD in 1999. Emma Stafford's research centers on Greek social and cultural history, particularly religion, myth, and art. She employs both literary and material evidence to explore personification deities, classical reception, and the enduring legacy of figures like Herakles. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary methods, combining philology, archaeology, and visual studies. She has a strong interest in how classical myths are reinterpreted across time, especially in Neoclassical sculpture and modern media. The trends in her recent publications reflect a sustained focus on the reception of classical myth, particularly the figure of Herakles/Hercules, across historical periods and media—from antiquity to Enlightenment theatre, modern musicals, and oratorios. Her scholarship spans monographs, edited volumes, encyclopedia contributions, and public-facing illustrated books, demonstrating a commitment to both academic rigor and broader cultural impact. Publicity Officer, Classical Association (2004–2011) Honorary Secretary, Classical Association (2011–2019) Honorary Secretary, Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies (2005–2008) Emma Stafford actively supervises postgraduate researchers, including Shakeel Ahmed and Tong Wu, and has led major research initiatives such as the 'Hercules: A Hero for All Ages' project, which involved international conferences, a touring exhibition, an oratorio, and multiple high-profile publications. She has secured collaborative funding and institutional support for public engagement, reflecting her leadership in knowledge exchange. She also serves as Director of Impact from August 2021, underscoring her role in shaping research dissemination and societal influence. She is a core member of research groups in Classics, Gender Heritage, and Theatre, Music and Performance, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Her involvement in the 'Hercules' project exemplifies her leadership in creating integrated research environments that combine academic scholarship with public exhibitions, performances, and educational outreach.
Irene González-López is a Lecturer in Japanese Studies at Birkbeck, University of London, serving as Programme Director for BA Japanese Studies with International Experience. She holds a PhD in Film Studies from SOAS, University of London, and additional degrees from Kyoto University and Tenri University. Her research focuses on Japanese cinema, gender studies, and representations of sex work, with a specialization in postwar film and female authorship. Key research projects include analyzing Japanese filmmaker Haneda Sumiko’s documentaries and exploring the trope of prostitution in postwar cinema. She has co-edited volumes on Tanaka Kinuyo and Haneda Sumiko, and her forthcoming monograph Selling Sex in Japanese Cinema examines the socio-political dimensions of prostitution narratives. Irene collaborates with institutions like the BFI, Barbican Centre, and Japan Foundation, and serves on advisory boards for journals and film festivals. Education: PhD in Film Studies, SOAS, University of London MA Film Studies, Kyoto University BA Japanese Studies, Tenri University BA Media Studies and Communication, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca Her teaching spans modules on Japanese cinema, memory studies, and cultural crisis, and she supervises PhD students in Japanese visual cultures and gender studies. Irene has received grants from the Lady Marks Charitable Trust, JSPS, and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, among others.
Dr. Barbara Henkes is an Associated Researcher at the University of Groningen’s History Department within the Faculty of Arts. She holds a PhD (cum laude) from the University of Amsterdam and has held academic positions spanning three decades, including roles as a postdoc, assistant professor, and fellow at the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on transnational networks, migration policies, and the intersections of colonialism, nationalism, and memory. Key projects include studies on Dutch-South African relations, the legacy of slavery in the Netherlands, and the colonial histories of multinational family businesses. Education: M.A. and doctorat in History from the University of Groningen (1980), with additional research training at the University of Amsterdam and the Meertens Institute. She has also held visiting positions at the University of Oldenburg and the University of Münster. Research interests include contemporary history, oral history methodologies, and the politics of memory. She explores how national identities are constructed through inclusion/exclusion dynamics, particularly in post-colonial and post-Nazi contexts. Current projects investigate the colonial roots of Dutch-South African ties and the material traces of slavery in Groningen and Friesland. Her publications span academic articles, public-facing essays, and edited volumes, emphasizing accessible historical narratives. She has led initiatives like the ‘Bitterzoet Erfgoed’ cultural project and contributes to editorial boards in history and migration studies.
Nicole Stamant is the Fuller E. Callaway Professor of English at Agnes Scott College, where she has been a faculty member since 2011. She served as chair of the English department from 2018–2019 and 2020–2022, demonstrating leadership and deep engagement with her academic community. Her academic background includes a BA in English/Creative Writing and French from Sweet Briar College, and an MA and PhD in English from Texas A&M University, along with a Graduate Certificate in Women's and Gender Studies. Dr. Stamant's research focuses on life writing, memoir, and self-representation, particularly in the contexts of race, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality. She is especially interested in historically marginalized voices and literary forms. Her scholarship spans American literature, ethnic American literature, queer studies, and feminist theory, with a current project on hospitality in culinary memoir. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in narrative activism, identity, and the politics of autobiography. She has written extensively on serial memoir, racial belonging, and the intersections of food, gender, and narrative. Her work appears in leading journals such as ARIEL , MELUS , a/b: Auto/Biography Studies , and South Atlantic Review . Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award (2018) Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Chair (2022) She is the managing editor of a/b: Auto/Biography Studies and has served as first vice president of the South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA). She has advised on numerous academic panels, moderated literary events such as the Decatur Book Festival, and participated in public conversations on #MeToo and feminist storytelling. Her teaching and scholarship emphasize mentorship, student growth, and the transformative power of narrative. Dr. Stamant is actively involved in the academic and literary community through her editorial work, public engagements, and leadership roles, contributing significantly to the fields of life writing and feminist literary studies.
