Katharine Olson serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of History within San Jose State University's College of Social Sciences, specializing in the cultural, religious, social, and intellectual history of medieval and Reformation Europe and the Mediterranean World through transregional and global frameworks. Her research interests include: Medieval History Early Modern History Religious History Cultural History Reformation British History Celtic History European History Social History Political History History of the Book She investigates how religion, culture, and identity were manifested in daily life across Britain, Ireland, Europe, and global networks including the Americas, Asia, and Africa, with particular attention to intersections of language, gender, and community in shaping realities of toleration and intolerance.
Ramón Soneira Martínez is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Austrian Archaeological Institute's Department of Classical Studies. He holds a Degree in History from the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) with a focus on Ancient History, a Master's degree in Religious Studies, and a PhD in Religious Studies from the Max-Weber-Kolleg of the University of Erfurt (Germany) and the University of Graz (Austria). His academic career centers on interdisciplinary approaches to ancient religious phenomena. Education : Bachelor's Degree in History (Ancient History focus), Complutense University of Madrid Master's Degree in Religious Studies Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Religious Studies, Max-Weber-Kolleg (University of Erfurt) and University of Graz Research Interests : Ramón specializes in Ancient History of Religion, Theory and Methodology of Religious Studies, Religious Deviance, and Atheism in the ancient Mediterranean. His work explores unbelief narratives, sacred spatial practices, and biopolitical dimensions of religious systems in Greco-Roman contexts. Publication Trends : His recent scholarship (2020–2025) examines atheistic positions in Classical Athens, interdisciplinary frameworks for analyzing ancient religion, biopolitical dimensions of marriage, and ecological interpretations of sacred landscapes. These works frequently engage with Platonic philosophy, pre-Socratic thought, and comparative methodologies across Mediterranean civilizations. Current Research Projects : Doubt and religion in the ancient Mediterranean: A comparative analysis of unbelief narratives Lodging/Living in a Sacred Context: Investigating spatial dynamics of religious environments
Prof. Dr. Andreas Zick is a leading scholar at Bielefeld University, serving as Scientific Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Conflict and Violence Research (IKG) and Professor for Socialization and Conflict Research at the Faculty of Education. He also co-leads the ConflictA initiative since 2023 and contributes to migration education through the Faculty of Education. 2008: Professor for Socialization and Conflict Research, Bielefeld University 2013: Director of IKG 2023: Scientific Head of ConflictA His research focuses on intergroup conflicts , group-based antipathy , right-wing extremism , radicalization , and socialization processes . He investigates spatial dimensions of radicalization, societal integration challenges, and prejudice dynamics through comparative studies. Recent publications analyze radicalization spaces (2024-2025) using spatial sociology, democratic conflict perceptions (2025), and cross-cultural prosocial behavior during pandemics. Key methods include ethnography, longitudinal surveys, and multi-perspective comparative analysis. Scientific contributions recognized by: Communicator Award (2016) Nevitt Sanford Lifetime Award (2022) Active in public policy as member of the Federal Agency for Civic Education's advisory board and Federal Commissioner's Antiracism Expert Council. Leads major projects on radicalization prevention and spatial conflict dynamics with national/international partners.
Florian Zemmin is a Professor at Freie Universität Berlin's Institute of Islamic Studies , serving as Co-Director of the Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies (BGSMCS). His research focuses on Islamic reformism , Middle Eastern conceptual history , and Arabic sociologies of religion within broader debates about modernity and secularity . Current affiliations: Freie Universität Berlin (since 2020) Previous affiliations: Universität Bern (2010-2020), Universität Leipzig (2015-2021) His research interests examine how Islamic traditions intersect with modern secular concepts through: Historical conceptual analysis in Arabic and Ottoman contexts Comparative secularisms beyond Western frameworks Postcolonial critiques of Eurocentric theory Sociological approaches to Islamic knowledge production Current projects include: Das soziokulturelle Leben soziologischer Konzepte – creating a critical lexicon of 60 sociological terms in Arabic Global Secularity: A Sourcebook – co-editing a 7-volume series on secular formations across regions Arabic Sociologies of Religion – challenging Eurocentric sociology through Arabic theoretical work Key publications address: Conceptual transfers in Islamic modernism Secularism in Islamic intellectual history Arabic sociology of religion Ottoman conceptual transformations Islamic responses to global social theory
John Marshall serves as the Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Professor of History at Johns Hopkins University. His research spans early modern British and British imperial history, European cultural and intellectual history, and the history of political thought. Research focuses on seventeenth-century England, particularly arguments for religious toleration and political thought during the Enlightenment. Major publications analyze John Locke's philosophical contributions and religious intolerance in early modern Europe. Current projects examine London's political, religious, and cultural history (1640-1700), Islamic toleration concepts, and George Keith's transnational intellectual networks. Professor Marshall supervises graduate research on diverse topics including Reformation ideology, English colonization of Ireland, melancholy in moral thought, female alliances in imperial contexts, atheism debates, gender and republicanism, and propaganda during Queen Mary I's reign.
Fabio Petito is Professor of Religion and International Affairs (International Relations) in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex. He is also the founding Director of the Religion & Foreign Policy Initiative at the University of Sussex, Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center, and Head of the Religions & International Relations Programme at the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. His academic background includes a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science, an MSc in International Politics from Aberystwyth University, and a Laurea in Economic and Social Disciplines from Bocconi University, Milan. He has taught at SOAS, ESCP-EAP, and L’Orientale University. Petito’s research centers on the role of religion and civilizations in International Relations. He has pioneered work on religious engagement in foreign policy, the postsecular in global politics, and interreligious dialogue as a strategy for promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). His influential publications include Religion in International Relations (2003), Towards a Postsecular International Politics (2014), and Human Fraternity & Inclusive Citizenship (2021). He has also contributed to civilizational dialogue theory and the political theology of Carl Schmitt. His recent publications reflect a strong policy orientation, focusing on FoRB, sustainable development (SDGs), interreligious peacebuilding, and the integration of religious actors into foreign policy. These works demonstrate a shift from theoretical critique to actionable policy frameworks, emphasizing dialogue, inclusion, and integral human development. Non-resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center Member, OSCE/ODIHR Panel of Experts on FoRB (2019–2022) Expert Adviser, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (2019–2020) Expert Adviser, EU Special Envoy for FoRB (2019–2019) Petito has supervised numerous PhD students in International Relations, Law, and Philosophy, including topics on Chinese international thought, Islamic eschatology, and Christian-Buddhist dual belonging. His research has been funded by the ESRC, British Council, Luce Foundation, and Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is currently working on projects linking religious engagement to the 2030 SDGs, human fraternity in the Mediterranean, and the theoretical implications of religious engagement for IR. He leads the Religion & Foreign Policy Initiative at Sussex and has collaborated with institutions such as the Community of Sant’Egidio, Wilton Park, and OSCE/ODIHR. His work bridges academia and policy, creating platforms for transatlantic and multilateral dialogue on FoRB and religious engagement.
Nazila Ghanea is a Professor of International Human Rights Law at the University of Oxford, serving as an Associate Director of the Oxford Human Rights Hub and a Fellow of Kellogg College. Her academic affiliations include the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights and the Public International Law @ Oxford research group. She holds a BA from Keele University, an MA from the University of Leeds, a PhD from Keele University, and an MA from the University of Oxford (Oxon). Her research interests focus on freedom of religion or belief, minority rights, women’s rights, and human rights in the Middle East. She examines intersections between these areas, such as the legal protections of religious minorities in England and Wales, the role of international standards in addressing discrimination, and the domestic impact of UN treaty ratification in Gulf states. Her work also explores expressions of hate speech, particularly related to race and religion, and their implications for international law. Nazila’s publications emphasize critical analysis of UN human rights mechanisms, including the evolution of the Human Rights Council and sessions of the Commission on Human Rights. She has contributed to reports on religious intolerance, discrimination, and advocacy strategies. Her research has been funded by significant grants from the UK Arts and Humanities Research Board, UK Economic and Social Research Council, Open Society, and QNRF. In 2021, she received the Recognition of Distinction Award for her academic achievements. Beyond academia, she advises governments, the UN, and international organizations on human rights issues and has conducted field research in countries such as Malaysia, Qatar, and Iran. She actively participates in media discussions on human rights topics. Her advisory roles include membership in the OSCE Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Board of Trustees of the Universal Rights Group. She has co-led research on GCC treaty ratification impacts and collaborated on projects examining religion, equality, and discrimination in England and Wales.
Amanullah De Sondy is Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam and Head of the Study of Religions Department at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. He has held teaching roles at the University of Miami, Ithaca College, and visiting positions in South Africa and Italy, with affiliations at the University of Glasgow. His research explores Islam, gender, sexuality, and pluralism through interdisciplinary lenses, focusing on Middle Eastern texts and South Asian contexts like India and Pakistan. His recent publications include the CrossCurrents special issue on 'Queer Muslim Media' (2025), book chapters on Scottish Muslim diversity and media portrayal of Muslims, and peer-reviewed articles on gender liberation in Pakistan. He has supervised 3 PhD students, examined 5 internationally, and teaches courses on monotheism, Islamic media, and women's studies. Notable awards include UCC's Exceptional Citizen Award (2020), Wabash Center Grant (2014), and Ford Foundation grants. He contributes to global dialogues on race, religion, and inclusion, serves on editorial boards, and is a regular media commentator. Current projects include a teaching film on The Crisis of Islamic Masculinities .
Dr. Michael Naylor is a Professor of New Testament at Columbia International University’s College of Arts and Sciences, serving since 2012. He holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, alongside degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Moody Bible Institute. His research focuses on early Christian contexts, intertextuality between Old and New Testaments, and the development of early Christian theology. He currently serves as NT Book Review Editor for the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society and is active in academic societies like the Society of Biblical Literature. Teaching emphases include Koiné Greek and exegesis of New Testament books, particularly Revelation. His publications explore Revelation’s portrayal of Jesus, early Christian theology, and biblical ethics. Prior to academia, he served in pastoral roles including youth ministry and worship leadership. Family life includes his wife Trudy and three children. Publications span topics like Revelation’s social critique, missiological readings of Hebrews, and debates on early Christian theology. His work bridges scholarly rigor with practical application for biblical preaching and teaching.
Martha C. Nussbaum is the Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, with appointments in the Law School and Philosophy Department. She also holds affiliations with the Classics Department, Divinity School, Political Science Department, and the Committee on Southern Asian Studies, reflecting her interdisciplinary scholarship. Her research spans political philosophy, ethics, law, emotions, feminism, human development, and animal rights. Nussbaum is renowned for developing the Capabilities Approach with Amartya Sen and for her work on the role of emotions in justice. She has published over 500 articles and more than 30 books, with recent works focusing on anger, fear, love, opera, and animal justice. Her latest books include Justice for Animals (2023), Citadels of Pride (2021), and the forthcoming The Republic of Love (2026). The trends in her recent publications reveal a deepening engagement with moral psychology, institutional accountability, and the ethical treatment of non-human animals. Her work consistently bridges classical philosophy and contemporary social issues, using insights from Greek tragedy, Stoicism, and literature to inform modern debates on democracy, dignity, and justice. Among her numerous honors are: Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy (2016) Holberg Prize (2021) Balzan Prize (2022) Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture (2018) Grawemeyer Award in Education (2002) Prince of Asturias Prize in Social Sciences (2012) Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow of the British Academy Academician in the Academy of Finland Recipient of 69 honorary degrees worldwide Nussbaum has advised numerous graduate students and is actively involved in research initiatives such as the Center for Comparative Constitutionalism, the Law and Philosophy Workshop, and the Animal Law Policy Initiative. She has received major teaching awards and is a Public Interest Faculty Mentor. Her work is supported by extensive publishing and public engagement, including frequent lectures and contributions to public philosophy. She leads the Center for Comparative Constitutionalism and participates in interdisciplinary teams focused on animal law, public service, and philosophical interventions in policy. Her collaborative projects often involve legal scholars, ethicists, and social scientists working on global justice and human rights.
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.
Fiona McCall is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth , affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature . She is associated with the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Innovation and the Centre for European & International Studies Research , working from Park Building, Portsmouth. Her research spans the English Civil War and Interregnum period, focusing on clergy communities, religious practices, loyalist experiences, and societal conflicts. Key themes include the impact of war on family structures, local religious tolerance/intolerance, and secular legal responses to religious offenses. Recent publications analyze baptismal divisions, clergy resilience, and post-war reconstruction. She has authored articles in journals like Studies in Church History and The Seventeenth Century , and edited works such as Church and People in Interregnum Britain . Her book Baal's Priests examines loyalist clergy during the English Revolution. McCall engages in peer-reviewed contributions, book reviews, and scholarly editions, often exploring historical documentation and memory. She actively accepts PhD students, though specific advisees are not listed in the provided materials.
Anna-Sara Lind is a Professor of Public Law at Uppsala University's Faculty of Law , with additional roles as Scientific Leader at the Center for Multidisciplinary Research on Religion and Society (CRS) and Member of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) (2020-). Her research focuses on the intersection of EU Law and Welfare State Constitutionalism , emphasizing Human Rights , Digital Governance , and Migration Policy . BA (2003) , Doctor of Jurisprudence in Constitutional Law (2009) Senior Lecturer (2011), Associate Professor (2014) Her 15 most recent publications (2015-2025) explore: AI's impact on Democratic Governance (2022-2025) Human Rights in Migration Policy (2017-2022) Comparative Constitutional Law across EU states (2012-2015) Data Protection frameworks in Biobanking (2013-2014) Religious Freedom versus Freedom of Expression (2016-2021) Scientific Recognition: Martin H:son Holmdahl Scholarship (2016) for human rights promotion Kungliga Vetenskapssocieteten Benzelius Award (2010) for constitutional law dissertation As an advisor, she has guided: Yana Litins'ka (Medical Law, 2018) Tim Holappa (Public Law, 2023) International advisees at Aristotle University and Stockholm University She leads the WASP-HS Management Team (2019-) and co-edits Nordisk Socialrättslig Tidskrift (2016-).
Samantha Katz Seal is an Associate Professor of English and the Pamela Shulman Professor of European and Holocaust Studies at the University of New Hampshire, specializing in gender, race, and embodiment in medieval English literature with particular expertise in Chaucer and premodern medical discourses. Her educational foundation includes a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and advanced degrees from Yale University: B.A., Washington University - St Louis M.A., Yale University M.Phil., Yale University Ph.D., Yale University Dr. Seal's research interrogates how medieval texts construct identity through intersections of gender, race, disability, and religion, with groundbreaking work on Jewish studies in medieval contexts and the history of reproduction. Her interdisciplinary methodology bridges literary analysis with feminist theory, disability studies, and critical race theory to expose the complexities of medieval subjectivity and its modern implications. Recent publications demonstrate an intensified focus on race-making processes in late medieval England, particularly the racialization of Christianity and Jewish identity, while maintaining her signature exploration of gender and reproduction as seen in her digital project cataloging premodern maternal mortality. Her scholarly recognition includes: ACLS Fellowship (2019-2020) Pamela Shulman Professor of European and Holocaust Studies Dr. Seal has secured significant research funding including the ACLS Fellowship supporting her book on medieval race ideologies. She actively shapes her field through editorial leadership on Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies and the MLA Chaucer Forum Executive Committee, while co-editing special journal issues that advance feminist medieval scholarship. Her service extends to mentoring emerging scholars through intersectional frameworks. She directs the digital humanities initiative Death in Childbirth: Memory, Maternity, and Premodern Europe, 1000-1700 and collaborates on feminist theory projects, demonstrating sustained commitment to innovative scholarly communication and community building.
Roomet Jakapi is an Associate Professor of History of Philosophy at the University of Tartu's Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy (2002) and has held academic positions since 2001, including Senior Research Fellow (2007–2017) and Head of the Chair of History of Philosophy (2010–present). His research focuses on Early Modern Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, and the Philosophy of Imagination, with particular expertise in George Berkeley and related theological debates. Education: PhD from University of Tartu (2002), MA from University of Tartu (1997), visiting scholar at University of Oxford (2000–2001). Administrative roles: Editor-in-Chief of Studia Philosophica Estonica , Coordinator of Erasmus+ programs, and organizer of international workshops on Early Modern Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion. Research interests emphasize the intersection of religion and philosophy in historical contexts, particularly Berkeley's metaphysics, debates on revealed religion vs. natural philosophy, and the role of imagination in faith. Key publications include works on Berkeley's non-cognitivist interpretation, Plantinga's religious epistemology, and Boyle/Whiston's apologetics. Recipient of the University of Tartu Badge of Distinction (2022) and the Akadeemia Award (2002). Active in academic governance, including membership in the Nordic Network for History of Philosophy and the Nordic Society for Philosophy of Religion.
