Dr. Joseph Bosco Bangura is a Senior Researcher in Religious Studies & Missiology at the Evangelical Theological Faculty (ETF Leuven) and Senior Researcher in Intercultural Theology at the Protestant Theological University, Groningen. He serves as a Part-Time Lecturer at Aachen University and has held roles at institutions in Sierra Leone, Germany, South Africa, and Uganda. His work bridges Pentecostalism, missiology, and intercultural theology across Africa and Europe. Education: Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies (ETF Leuven & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2013) M.Th. (ETF Leuven, 2007) M.Phil. (Fourah Bay College, 2004) Post-Graduate Certificate in Ecumenical Studies (Ecumenical Institute Bossey, 2001) B.Th. (Evangelical College of Theology, 1997) Research Interests focus on African Pentecostalism, contextual theology, secularization in Africa and Europe, interfaith engagement, and the cultural adaptation of migrant churches. His work explores the intersection of religion with environmental disasters, gender dynamics, and digital media in African Christianity. Selected Articles highlight eco-theology in Sierra Leone, gender and leadership in diaspora churches, and the impact of secularization on Pentecostal communities. His publications also address urban missiology, transnational practices, and the historical evolution of African churches. Academic Memberships: European Academy on Religion and Society American Society of Missiology GloPent Research Network Lamin Sanneh Institute (University of Ghana)
Eva Bellin is the Myra and Robert Kraft Professor of Arab Politics in the Department of Politics at Brandeis University, affiliated with the Crown Center for Middle East Studies. Her research focuses on democratization, authoritarian persistence, political and economic reform, civil society, religion and politics, and cultural change in the Middle East. She holds a BA from Harvard University and a PhD from Princeton University. Her notable contributions include the book Stalled Democracy and co-editing Building Rule of Law in the Arab World . Bellin has been a Carnegie Scholar (2006–2008) and a Fellow at the Princeton Institute for Regional and International Studies (2006–2007), and received the Dean's Mentoring Award (2015) for graduate student mentorship. She has conducted fieldwork in Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, and Pakistan. Her research explores the dynamics of authoritarian regimes in the Arab world, particularly post-Arab Spring transformations, and the intersection of religion and governance. She has contributed to journals such as World Politics , Comparative Politics , and Foreign Affairs . Her work on the robustness of authoritarianism and democratic divergence in the Middle East has been widely cited in academic and policy circles. She has also advised on rule of law initiatives in the region and served on the editorial board of Comparative Politics since 2005.
Jane Garnett is a Tutor in Modern History at Wadham College, University of Oxford. She holds affiliations with the Faculties of History and Theology, and contributes to the interdisciplinary MSt in Women’s Studies. Her research spans intellectual, cultural, and religious history since the 19th century, with a focus on gender, visual culture, and diasporic communities. Co-author of Spectacular Miracles (2013), analyzing miracle-working images in Italy Co-edited works on religion and diaspora in modern cities (2013-2016) Contributed to debates on economic ethics and Christian moral philosophy Led Leverhulme Trust-funded project on diaspora and religious identity in East London (2011-2015) Her methodological approach integrates interdisciplinary frameworks, collaborating with historians, social scientists, and art historians. She has organized public exhibitions in Britain and Italy, exploring visual experience and cultural identity. Jane Garnett’s scholarly contributions earned the ACE/Mercers' Book Award (2014) and recognition in Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor's Diversity Awards (2022). Supervises postgraduate research in British/European history, Women’s Studies, and History of Art Teaches courses on feminist research, Victorian intellectual history, and art in France
Jeffrey S. Lidke is a Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Berry College. He holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado (1990), M.A. (1996), and Ph.D. (2000) in South Asia Religion and Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. A Fulbright Dissertation Fellow to Nepal (1996-97), his research focuses on Nepalese Tantra, South Asian religious traditions, and the intersection of contemplative practices with neuroscience. His major works include The Goddess Within and Beyond the Three Cities (2017) and Viśvarūpa Maṇḍir: A Study of Chaṅgu Nārāyaṇa (2017). Key research areas include Śākta Tantra's political theology, Abhinavagupta's monistic philosophy, and the neuroscientific implications of Tantric meditative practices. His work bridges textual analysis with ethnographic fieldwork in Nepal and India. Education: B.A., Religious Studies, University of Colorado (1990) M.A., South Asia Religion and Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara (1996) Ph.D., South Asia Religion and Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara (2000) Research Interests: Indian and Nepalese Tantra Kashmir Śaivism Cognitive Neuroscience of Contemplative Practices Embodied Mysticism in Art and Dance Maṇḍala Theory and Political Theology Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on the Sarvāmnāya Tantra system Explored neuroscientific applications of Tantric meditation Edited volumes on South Asian religious practices and ecology Awards: Fulbright Dissertation Fellowship (1996-97) Professional Activities: Co-editor of Southeast Review of Asian Studies Interviews on Tantric philosophy and Yoga-Neuroscience connections
Hartmut Rosa holds the Professorship of General and Theoretical Sociology at Friedrich Schiller University Jena since 2005. He serves as Director of the Max Weber College in Erfurt and leads multiple DFG-funded research groups including the Collaborative Research Center TRR 294 'Structural Change in Property'. A leading theorist in social acceleration and resonance theory , he combines temporal analysis with democratic theory and critical sociology. Born: August 1965 Current: Director of Max Weber College Key Positions: New School for Social Research affiliation His research spans : Social acceleration across technological, cultural, and experiential dimensions Resonance as alternative to alienation Democratic theory under time pressure Modernity diagnostics Critical theory foundations Recent article themes include: Digital self-tracking motivations (2021) - intersection of big data and temporal ethics Corona crisis as temporal disruption (2020) - rethinking economic priorities Acceleration's impact on democracy (2005-2023) - temporal overload analysis World relations theory (2011-2022) - new materialist approaches Major scientific awards : 2023 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (Germany's highest research honor) 2018 Erich Fromm Prize for Social Psychology 2018 Paul Watzlawick Ring of Honor 2016 Tractatus Prize for Philosophical Essays He leads multiple research projects : SFB TRR 294 Subproject C06 'Making Things Available' DFG Priority Programme on Aesthetic Eigenzeiten Research Group 'Land Grabbing, Acceleration, Activation' VW Foundation project on 'Aporias of Perfection' in acceleration
Tatjana Schnell is a Professor of Existential Psychology at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, where she has worked since October 2020. She also holds a fellowship at the Humanistic University Berlin (since 2024). Her professional journey includes academic training in psychology, theology, religious studies, and philosophy across Germany, the UK, and Austria, with a doctorate from the University of Trier (Germany) and habilitation from the University of Innsbruck (Austria), where she founded the Existential Psychology Lab. Education : Psychology, Theology, Religious Studies, and Philosophy from the University of Göttingen, University of London, University of Heidelberg, and University of Cambridge Degree : Doctorate in Psychology (University of Trier, Germany) Habilitation : Psychology (University of Innsbruck, Austria) Tatjana Schnell's research focuses on existential themes including meaning in life, existential health, death attitudes, alienation, and religious/spiritual/secular worldviews. Her work bridges individual psychology with societal and environmental implications, with extensive international collaborations and publications. She has authored key works like "The Psychology of Meaning in Life" (2nd ed., 2025) and "Sinn finden" (2024). Her recent publications examine pandemic psychology, existential resources in gifted adults, workplace spirituality, and meaning-based interventions for chronic pain and cancer rehabilitation. Her research projects include "Making Sense of Volunteering," "Sinnmacher - The Meaning App," and studies on existential resources in palliative care. The Tatjana Schnell website provides further details about her work. Fellow : Humanistic University Berlin (2024) Tatjana Schnell has developed innovative tools like the Sources of Meaning Card Method (SoMeCaM) and Meaning in Work Inventory (ME-Work), with validated versions across multiple cultures. Her work emphasizes the practical application of existential psychology in mental health, organizational behavior, and ecological engagement. She founded the Existential Psychology Lab at the University of Innsbruck and continues to lead impactful research at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society.
Henrique Varajidás is a lecturer at Universidade Lusófona (Lusophone University), with a focus on political science and historical analysis of totalitarianism. He holds a Licenciatura in Political Science and International Relations, a PhD in the same field with specialization in security and defense, and a Master’s in Law focused on cross-cultural business practice. Licenciatura: Political Science and International Relations PhD: Political Science and International Relations (Security and Defense) Master: Law (Cross-Cultural Business Practice) His research primarily examines totalitarianism through comparative frameworks, analyzing regimes like Nazi Germany, Stalinist USSR, and Khmer Rouge Cambodia. Key themes include: Historiographical methodology in totalitarian studies Counterfactual analysis of political violence Racial sciences in early Nazi ideology Philosophical foundations of authoritarian power Foreign policy villainization techniques Ends vs means in totalitarian governance His publications reveal a strong focus on circular causality in regime analysis, Kantian moral philosophy, and technological implications in authoritarian systems. Awards and recognition are not explicitly mentioned in available sources. Varajidás has advised students on topics related to totalitarianism and regime analysis. His work appears in journals like Frontiers in Political Science and Práticas da História . He maintains contact via email at hen***@ulusofona.pt .
Prof. Dr. Claudia Liebelt is a University Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology and Managing Director of WE 04 at Freie Universität Berlin. She leads the Research Unit 'Gender, Body, Sexualities' and serves as PI for the Berlin Graduate School of Muslim Cultures and Societies. Her academic career includes a Heisenberg Fellowship (2020–2021), a Habilitation in 2019, and prior roles at the University of Bayreuth and Keele University. She specializes in body anthropology, gender studies, and critical beauty politics, with regional expertise in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and the Philippines. Her research explores transnational formations of self, olfactory affects, and beauty economies. Current projects include DFG-funded 'Aesthetic Citizenship' and SFB 1171's 'Olfactory Entanglements.' She has supervised numerous PhD students and authored/co-authored influential works like Istanbul Appearances (2023) and Beauty and the Norm (2018). Awards include summa cum laude for her 2008 dissertation and the Heisenberg Fellowship. Liebelt teaches courses on religion, transnational sexualities, and anthropological methodologies. She is a founding member of the 'Gender & Sexualities' group within DGSKA and a journal reviewer. Her work bridges ethnographic theory with contemporary issues like pandemic hygiene, cosmetic surgery politics, and intersectional activism.
Gholam Khiabany is a Reader in Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, University of London, within the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies (MCCS). His academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to the understanding of media, politics, and cultural practices, particularly in relation to the Middle East. He serves as an editor of the Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication and is a member of the council of management of the Institute of Race Relations. Khiabany's research interests center on the complex relationship between citizenship, political activism, and media and cultural practices. His work critically examines media representation of race, migration, and refugees, with particular attention to anti-Muslim racism and the culturalization of terror. He has extensively studied political communication in Iran and the broader Middle East, analyzing how digital media transforms political engagement in authoritarian contexts. His scholarship also addresses the rise of the security state, multiculturalism debates, and the political economy of media in neoliberal times. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with contemporary political issues through a critical media studies lens. Recent publications reveal a growing focus on migration securitization, citizenship rights, and the marketization of higher education. His work consistently bridges theoretical rigor with urgent political questions, particularly regarding racialized politics and state power. Khiabany frequently collaborates with scholars like Milly Williamson, Natalie Fenton, and Des Freedman, reflecting his commitment to collective scholarly work. Khiabany has authored influential books including Iranian Media: The Paradox of Modernity (2009), Blogistan: The Internet and Politics in Iran (2010, co-authored with Annabelle Sreberny), and Media, Democracy and Social Change: Re-imagining Political Communications (2020). He has also co-edited significant volumes such as After Charlie Hebdo: Terror, Racism and Free Speech (2017) and The Handbook of Media and Culture in the Middle East (2023). His academic work consistently addresses issues of power, representation, and resistance, with particular attention to how marginalized communities navigate media landscapes. Khiabany's research has evolved to increasingly focus on the intersection of migration politics, security discourses, and racialized state power, while maintaining his foundational interest in Middle Eastern media politics and alternative communication practices.
Benjamin Justice is Distinguished Professor of Education at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education and an associate member of the History Department at Rutgers–New Brunswick. He holds a courtesy appointment as Senior Research Scholar at Yale Law School and serves as series editor for New Directions in History of Education at Rutgers University Press. His interdisciplinary work bridges education, history, law, and philosophy. Ph.D. in Education, Stanford University M.A. in History, Stanford University B.A. in History, Yale University Dr. Justice's research focuses on the history of education , civic education , religion in public schools , and the intersection of criminal justice and curriculum theory . He explores how experiences with police, courts, and detention shape civic identity, drawing on legitimacy and curriculum theories. His work spans educational policy, democratic ideals, race, and philosophical inquiry. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary scholarship, combining historical analysis with contemporary policy critique. Key themes include school choice, settler colonialism in education, democratic civility, and the role of religion in public life. His articles appear in top journals across education, history, and social science, as well as in public forums like The Atlantic and theHumanist.com . Dr. Justice has received numerous honors, including: AESA Critics Choice Book Award AERA Outstanding Scholarly Publication on Justice in Education Award (2025) National Academy of Education/Spencer Post-Doctoral Fellowship Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholar (2023–24) CASE Circle of Excellence Gold Award He has held leadership roles as President of the History of Education Society (2021–2022) and member of the NAEP U.S. History Standing Committee (2011–2019). He has received multiple awards for teaching, research, and service at Rutgers. While no formal list of students is available, his collaborative works suggest mentorship and academic advising. He has led research projects supported by major foundations and institutions. Dr. Justice is affiliated with several scholarly organizations, including the History of Education Society, American Educational Research Association, American Educational Studies Association, Legal Studies Association, and Organization of American Historians. His work continues to influence both academic and public discourse on education and democracy.
Ole Wæver is a Professor of International Relations at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen. He founded the Centre for Advanced Security Theory (CAST) and directs the Centre for Resolution of International Conflicts (CRIC) . His work spans security theory, conceptual history, and sociology of science, with global recognition for developing the Copenhagen School of securitization theory. Primary Research Areas: International Relations, Security Studies, Climate Change, Religion/Secularism, Conflict Analysis Notable Contributions: Pioneering securitization theory, interdisciplinary analysis of security concepts, and theoretical developments in regional security complexes. His recent work explores the intersection of technology, philosophy of language, and security. Scientific Awards: Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters (2007) Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize (2012) Knight of the Order of Dannebrog (2014) Hesbjerg Foundation Peace Prize (2015) Honorary Doctorate, University of Turku (2015) Publications: Authored and co-authored influential books such as Security: A New Framework for Analysis and Regions and Powers , and contributed to leading journals including International Organization , Security Dialogue , and Millennium .
Lauren Horn Griffin is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Louisiana State University (LSU), jointly appointed in the Department of History. Her work bridges religion, technology, media, and nationalism, with a focus on how digital platforms shape contemporary religious identities. She earned a B.A. in English from the University of Oklahoma (2006), an M.T.S. from Vanderbilt Divinity School (2010), and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2016). Griffin’s research examines the intersection of religion and media, particularly in Catholic communities. Her book Fabricating Founders in Early Modern England (2023) explores how confessional debates influenced national identity formation. Current projects investigate post-national religious identities online and the role of medieval imagery in digital spaces. She is also a leader in public humanities, leveraging grants from the Henry Luce Foundation and LSU to advance interdisciplinary work. Her teaching spans digital religion, AI ethics, and U.S. religious history. Courses include Religion and AI and History of Religion in the United States . Griffin actively contributes to initiatives like the LSU Ethics Institute and the AI & Religion Collaborative, emphasizing ethics in emerging technologies. Her awards include the ATLAS Grant (2024-25) and multiple fellowships from the Henry Luce Foundation. Griffin’s publications span peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, and public-facing platforms like Religion News Service and Religion Dispatches . She frequently addresses topics such as Christian nationalism, traditionalist movements (#RadTrad), and the impact of digital media on religious expression.
Dr. Caglar Ezikoglu is a Lecturer in International Relations at the School of Social Science and Humanities, University of Wolverhampton (FABSS). He holds a PhD in International Politics (Aberystwyth, 2019) and an MA in European Politics (Sussex, 2013). His academic journey spans institutions including Leeds Beckett University (Visiting Lecturer, 2023-2025), University of Birmingham (Teaching & Research Fellow, 2023-2025), and Cankiri Karatekin University (Lecturer, 2019-2023). Education: PhD, International Politics, Aberystwyth University (2014-2019) MA, European Politics, University of Sussex (2012-2013) MA, Political Science, Ankara University (2009-2012) BA, Political Science, Ankara University (2005-2009) Ezikoğlu’s research synthesizes populism , authoritarianism , and political behavior with a regional focus on Turkey , the Middle East , and comparative historical studies (e.g., Ancient Rome). His work interrogates themes such as democratic erosion , religious freedom , and media’s role in political hegemony . Recent publications (2024-2025) bridge political theory , comparative case studies , and public policy analysis , often critiquing authoritarian trends in Turkey and beyond. His upcoming book compares Catonism in Rome to Erdogan’s populism , while a 2024 article in Intellectual Discourse examines economic voting behavior collapse in Turkey. Scientific Awards: Nominated for BISA Early Career Excellence Teaching Prize (2024) Nominated for PSA Sir Bernard Crick Teaching Prize (2024) Awarded British Academy’s GLOBAL TALENT VISA (Exceptional Promise, 2025) Received a Turkey Fellowship (2023-2024) Awarded BISA Conference Bursaries (2015-2017) He serves as Co-Convenor for the PSA International Relations Specialist Group and Editor for Open Theology (Web of Science Q1). As a Country Expert for V-Dem (2021-2025) and Senior Commissioning Editor for E-International Relations (2017-2020), he contributes to global academic networks.
Dr. Hongxuan Lin serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. His academic work centers on the complex relationship between Islam and Marxism in Indonesia, with broader interests in progressive Islamic discourses across the Muslim world. As a faculty member at one of Asia's premier research universities, Dr. Lin contributes significantly to Southeast Asian studies through his research, teaching, and publications. Dr. Lin earned his Doctor of Philosophy in History from the University of Washington, Seattle, between 2015 and 2020. His doctoral research focused on Indonesian intellectual history, examining how Muslim identity and Marxist analytical frameworks coexisted in the minds of Indonesian nationalists during the anti-colonial struggle and early republic period. His supervisors were Laurie J. Sears, Christoph Giebel, and Vicente L. Rafael, all prominent scholars in Southeast Asian studies. Dr. Lin's research primarily investigates the intersection of Islam and Marxism in Indonesia from 1915 to 1965, exploring conciliatory discourses where Marxist ideas were theorized as compatible with Islam within frameworks of anti-colonial resistance. He examines how Indonesian intellectuals adapted global political currents to local contexts, challenging state-driven narratives that position Islam and Marxism as mutually exclusive. His work also considers women's contributions to these discourses and is expanding to study the circulation of progressive Islamic ideas across the Indian Ocean region connecting Egypt, Arabia, Iran, South Asia, and the Malay Archipelago. His research reveals how progressive Islamic thinkers addressed socio-economic inequity, women's rights, intercommunal tolerance, and religious governance. Dr. Lin's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on Southeast Asian political history, particularly Indonesia's intellectual landscape during the colonial and post-colonial periods. His scholarship reveals patterns of creative adaptation where Indonesian thinkers engaged with global political currents while transforming them for local contexts. A notable trend across his work is the examination of transnational intellectual networks that connected Southeast Asia with broader global movements, showing how ideas traveled and were transformed across borders. His research challenges simplistic narratives about religious and political identity, revealing instead complex intellectual traditions that defy easy categorization. Dr. Lin is multilingual with proficiency in Indonesian (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding), Chinese (Mandarin) (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding), Dutch (reading), and French (reading). This linguistic capability supports his research across multiple archives and sources in different languages, enhancing the depth and authenticity of his historical analysis. His work bridges multiple disciplinary approaches including history, political science, religious studies, and post-colonial theory.
Anya Bernstein is a Professor of Anthropology at Harvard University, affiliated with the Committee on the Study of Religion and the Department of Anthropology. Her research focuses on speculative futures, science/technology interfaces, religion, and death/immortality studies. She holds a BS in Linguistics (Georgetown), MA in Visual Anthropology (University of Manchester), and PhD in Anthropology (NYU). Currently on leave during AY 2025-26, she leads the Human Futures project funded by the Research Council of Norway. Key research themes include transhumanist immortality movements in Russia, Buryat Buddhist revitalization, and Pleistocene Park's ecological engineering. Her books Religious Bodies Politic (2013) and The Future of Immortality (2019) received major academic awards. Notable projects include ethnographic films like In Pursuit of the Siberian Shaman and ongoing work on Arctic ecosystem restoration. Grants include National Science Foundation, Fulbright, and Mellon Fellowships. Her work bridges anthropology of religion, sci-tech studies, and environmental humanities, with 30+ peer-reviewed articles in top journals like American Ethnologist and Cultural Anthropology .
