Professor Max Deeg is a leading scholar in Buddhist Studies at Cardiff University , holding a personal chair since 2009. With a career spanning institutions in Germany, Austria, and the UK, his research focuses on transcultural Buddhist history from India to East Asia, Chinese Buddhist travelogues , and interreligious encounters in medieval China. He has held visiting positions at universities in Japan, Nepal, the US, and Germany, and currently directs the Centre for the History of Religion in Asia (CHRA) . PhD from University of Würzburg (1990) Dr. phil. habil. in Religious Studies (1998) Full Professor at University of Vienna (2002-2006) His research explores Buddhist narratives as tools for constructing religious identity, foundation myths in trans-Himalayan contexts, and terminology evolution in Chinese Buddhist translations. Recent publications analyze Indian Buddhist monasticism through Chinese sources and religious concepts like xin (trust) across Buddhist, Manichaean, and Christian traditions. Awarded the KHK Visiting Research Fellowship (2016) and a DAAD Scholarship (1986-87) , Prof Deeg contributes to editorial boards of major journals. He supervises PhD students and teaches Buddhist Studies , Life of the Buddha , and Chinese Buddhist Texts .
Albrecht Fuess is a Professor of Islamic Studies at Philipps University of Marburg since 2010, specializing in Middle Eastern History (13th–17th centuries), Mamluk socio-cultural dynamics, and contemporary European Islamic discourses. His research spans historical continuity in Ottoman-Mamluk-Safavid interactions, Islamic youth cultures, and Mediterranean geopolitics. Research Focus: Medieval Islamic history, Transottomanica mobility studies, Islam in Europe, and cultural integration of Muslim migrants. Awards: Le Studium Fellowship (2007–2009) at Université de Tours. His publications emphasize military-economy interplay, legitimacy through religious narratives, and resource management in empires, with a focus on Mamluk and Ottoman transformations. He has advised on doctoral projects covering topics like Islamic welfare, Arabic ʾAmālī literature, and Cypriot-Ottoman relations. Leadership: Co-coordinator of Transottomanica (DFG-SPP 1981), member of ANR and DAAD committees, and liaison professor for the German National Academic Foundation. Editorial Roles: Co-editor of 'Transottomanica' and 'Muslim Worlds' series, and advisory board member for journals in Cairo, Paris, and Leuven.
John H. Arnold is Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of King's College. Educated at the University of York (BA History, D.Phil Medieval Studies), his academic career includes positions at University of East Anglia and Birkbeck, University of London before joining Cambridge in 2016. He holds editorial roles at Cultural and Social History, Past & Present, and directs publication series at both York Medieval Press and Cambridge University Press. Arnold's research centers on medieval religious culture, particularly lay belief, heresy, inquisition, and the history of gender. His monograph 'The Making of Lay Religion in Southern France' (2024) exemplifies this focus. Current projects investigate the social history of confession and the repression of usury. Analysis of Arnold's 15 most recent publications reveals consistent engagement with medieval religious dissent and belief systems. Key themes include: reinterpretations of heresy trials (2019), sensory dimensions of faith (2018), historiographic debates about Catharism (2016), and methodological examinations of archival sources (2022). His work frequently employs theoretical frameworks from sociology and philosophy to reinterpret medieval religious conflict. Arnold maintains active research networks through editorial leadership and supervision. His Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought series promotes innovative scholarship in medieval history.
Sohail Hashmi is a Professor of International Relations and Politics at Mount Holyoke College , where he has taught since 1994. His work bridges Western and Islamic moral and political philosophy, focusing on ethics in international relations, religion and politics, and Middle East politics. Education: Ph.D., A.M., A.B. from Harvard University; M.A. from Princeton University. Hashmi specializes in comparative international ethics , particularly just war theory and peacebuilding, alongside Islamic political ethics , including civil society, pluralism, and humanitarian intervention. His research examines the intersection of Islamic thought with international law and contemporary issues like poverty relief and territorial boundaries. Scientific Awards and Grants: Carnegie Scholars Fellowship (2005), National Endowment for the Humanities, Social Science Research Council, and W. Alton Jones Foundation grants. Notable Publications: Editor of Just Wars, Holy Wars, and Jihads: Christian, Muslim, and Jewish Encounters and Exchanges (Oxford University Press, 2012) and Islamic Political Ethics: Civil Society, Pluralism, and Conflict (Princeton University Press, 2009). His recent work analyzes ethical pluralism, ISIS, and the impact of international law on Islamic theory.
Ajay J. Sinha serves as the Julie ’73 and Helene ’49 Herzig Professor of Art History at Mount Holyoke College, with primary affiliation in the Department of Art History and Architectural Studies and cross-appointments in Asian Studies and Film Media Theater. His teaching spans undergraduate courses on Asian art history, Indian photography, and film, emphasizing cultural interconnections and visual analysis within political and social contexts. His educational background includes: Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania M.A. and B.A. from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India Sinha’s research centers on India’s visual culture across historical periods, examining how artistic production reflects religious-secular dynamics, local-global networks, and cultural identity. His work bridges ancient temple architecture, modern photography, and contemporary cinema, with particular focus on transcultural exchanges in South Asian artistic traditions and their global reception. His publication trajectory reveals an evolution from religious monument studies to contemporary transnational visual culture, culminating in his 2023 photographic analysis of early 20th-century Indian dancer Ram Gopal. This work exemplifies his sustained investigation into how visual media mediate cultural encounters across geopolitical boundaries. Sinha actively bridges academia and public scholarship through exhibition curation and institutional leadership. He co-curated contemporary Indian art exhibitions at the Peabody Essex Museum and advises the Center for Art and Archaeology at the American Institute of Indian Studies, while organizing international conferences on Indian temple art and Bollywood cinema.
Daniel L. Schlafly is a Professor in the Department of History at Saint Louis University 's College of Arts and Sciences . His career spans decades of research in Russian and East European history, with a focus on cross-cultural exchanges between Russia and Western Europe. Education : Ph.D. (Columbia University, 1972), M.A. in Russian Studies (Columbia, 1965), Certificate from the Russian Institute (Columbia, 1965), A.B. (Georgetown University, 1961), and M.B.A. (Saint Louis University, 1998). Research interests include cross-cultural history, Jesuit educational institutions in Russia and America, religious minorities in post-Soviet Russia, and East-West encounters during the Enlightenment. His work emphasizes primary source analysis in original languages like Russian, French, and Italian. Publication trends highlight comparative studies of Jesuit schools, diplomatic records, and religious identity formation. His articles span 1970-2008 , with a focus on Russia's engagement with Catholicism and Western institutions. Scientific awards and grants include: Mellon grants for international research (1991-1996) Adenauer Scholarship for German studies (1961-62) Conference funding from 2002-2014 Grants for translating Marek Inglot's Jesuit history (2008-2013) He has taught courses on the origins of the modern world , history of Eastern Europe , Russian history , and nationalism studies .
Rev. Dr. hab. Antoni Nadbrzeżny serves as Professor at John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) within the Faculty of Theology, specifically in the Department of Pneumatology, Ecclesiology and Mariology. His scholarly work centers on advanced theological research with particular emphasis on Mariology, Ecclesiology, and the theological contributions of Edward Schillebeeckx. Nadbrzeżny's research interests demonstrate deep engagement with contemporary theological challenges. His work explores dialogical ecclesiology as a response to Vatican II, examining how the Church can navigate modern secular contexts while maintaining theological integrity. Significant focus is given to Schillebeeckx's hermeneutic theology, Mariological developments from 'Mother of Redemption' to 'Mother of All Believers,' and the existential dimensions of faith in contemporary culture. His publications consistently address the intersection of personalist anthropology with soteriology and pneumatology. His recent scholarly output reveals a clear trajectory toward dialogical theology that bridges historical tradition and contemporary challenges. The 2025 monograph on Schillebeeckx's Mariology represents culmination of decades examining pneumatological and ecclesiological themes through phenomenological lenses. Articles consistently explore tension points between faith and modernity, particularly regarding religious freedom, anthropological concepts, and the Church's role as sacrament of dialogue. Bronze Medal for Long Service (2016) Rector's Award of KUL (4th degree team award, 2011) Rector's Award of KUL (3rd degree team award, 2006) Nadbrzeżny actively supervises doctoral candidates at KUL's Doctoral School since 2019 and serves as Consultant and Secretary of the Polish Episcopal Conference's Faith Science Commission. His current research includes the Ministry of Education-funded project 'The Church as a Space for Dialogue: The Second Vatican Council Reread.' He regularly presents to clergy formations, including the Sandomierz Diocese's ongoing program, and contributes to international theological discourse through publications and conferences.
Pamela Klassen is Professor and Chair in the Department for the Study of Religion at the University of Toronto, cross-appointed to Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and has held distinguished positions including William Lyon Mackenzie King Chair at Harvard University and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Tübingen. Professor Klassen's research focuses on the anthropology of religion with particular attention to: Colonialism, treaties, and public memory in North America and Turtle Island Global Christianities and their relationship to Indigenous lands Religion, ritual, and museum studies Digital humanities approaches to religious history Gender, spirituality, and religious authority Her scholarly work demonstrates a consistent engagement with how religion shapes and is shaped by colonial histories, public memory, and contemporary political struggles. Klassen's research bridges academic inquiry with public-facing projects that collaborate with Indigenous communities, particularly the Rainy River First Nations. Among her notable awards are the American Academy of Religion Award of Excellence (2012), the Northrop Frye Award of Excellence (2015), and the Anneliese Maier Research Award from the Humboldt Foundation (2015-2020). She was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2019. Professor Klassen actively mentors graduate students and has supervised numerous PhD candidates working at the intersection of religious studies, anthropology, and Indigenous studies. Her current research includes a book on the public memory of gold rushes in settler colonies and ongoing collaborative work with the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre. She leads several major collaborative projects including "Kiinawin Kawindomowin Story Nations," a digital storytelling initiative focused on restorying colonial documents about Manidoo Ziibi (Rainy River), and "Treaty Conversations," an educational resource about treaty relationships in Ontario.
Eleonora Cappuccilli is a Researcher at the Department of Philosophy, History of Ideas and Art, and Classical Languages at the University of Oslo . Her academic interests focus on English political thought in the early modern period, particularly women's political discourse based on the public sphere , constitutional history , prophecy as a concept , and early modern European political theology . She also explores current feminist theory . Education: PhD in Politics, Institutions and History (2016) from the University of Bologna, MA in International Relations (2012), and BA in International Studies (2009). Experience: Post-doctoral fellow at I Tatti (2022-2023), University of Oslo (2018-2021), Edith Saurer Foundation (2018), and Filippo Burzio Foundation (2018). Her research examines prophetic women in early modern Europe, analyzing their roles in religious reform and political theology . She investigates gender and authority through case studies like Mary Ward, Domenica da Paradiso, and Caterina da Racconigi. Her recent works explore cross-confessional practices , spiritual discipline , and transnational prophetic networks . Her publications span topics from 16th-century prophetic encounters to 17th-century gender conflicts , with a focus on Italian and English Renaissance contexts . She collaborates with scholars like Roberta Ferrari on intersections of feminist theory and Marxist critique , particularly concerning patriarchal structures and social movements . Projects include “Women's prophecy in early modern European religion” , analyzing the subversive expressions of female prophets. Her work appears in journals like Renaissance Studies and edited volumes from Amsterdam University Press and Brill .
John T. McGreevy, an acclaimed historian and Notre Dame alumnus, serves as the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost at the University of Notre Dame. As the chief academic officer, he leads strategic initiatives to advance the university's mission while sustaining its Catholic identity. Prior to his provost role, he held the Francis A. McAnaney Professorship of History and served as Dean of the College of Arts and Letters from 2008 to 2018. Education B.A. in History (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), University of Notre Dame (1986) M.A. and Ph.D. in History, Stanford University McGreevy specializes in American and global religious history, particularly Catholicism's intersection with politics and social change. His research spans topics like Vatican II, Catholic responses to totalitarianism, gender and sexuality controversies, and the globalization of Catholicism. He has contributed to major publications including the Journal of American History and New York Review of Books , and co-authored the award-winning PBS documentary God in America . His recent publications focus on Catholicism's global evolution, with a 2022 book translated into three languages. Articles emphasize Catholicism's adaptation to modernity across political, social, and theological domains. Scientific Awards George E. Ganss, S.J., Award (2015) Kaneb Teaching Award Organization of American Historians Distinguished Lecturer (2004) McGreevy held leadership roles in Notre Dame's academic governance and core curriculum review. He received major fellowships from the Mellon Foundation, American Council of Learned Societies, Louisville Institute, and Erasmus Institute. As a historian, his work examines Catholicism's role in shaping global modernity while maintaining its core identity.
Detlef Pollack is a Senior Professor and Chair of Sociology of Religion at the Institute for Sociology, University of Münster. He has held this position since August 2022, following a distinguished academic career that includes serving as Professor of Sociology of Religion at the Westphalian Wilhelms University Münster from 2008 to 2022, and as Professor of Comparative Cultural Sociology at the Viadrina European University Frankfurt (Oder) from 1995 to 2008. Pollack has been a member of the board of the Excellence Cluster "Religion and Politics" at the University of Münster since 2023 and previously served as its deputy speaker (2019-2021) and speaker (2015-2018). Pollack's academic background includes a habilitation from Bielefeld University (1994) in Sociology, a doctorate in Sociology of Religion (summa cum laude) from Leipzig University (1984), and theological studies at Leipzig University (1976-1981). His academic journey reflects a deep engagement with both theological and sociological perspectives on religion. Professor Pollack's research focuses on religious change in Western and Eastern Europe and the USA, political culture in Eastern and Central Europe, GDR research, systems theory, and differentiation theory. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary sociological theory, particularly examining how religious institutions and practices adapt to modern social structures. He has made significant contributions to understanding secularization processes, religious pluralism, and the relationship between religion and modernity. Pollack's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent engagement with major debates in the sociology of religion. His recent work explores religious responses to global crises, religious fundamentalism, and the complex relationship between religion, politics, and national identity in contemporary Europe. His research often employs comparative methodologies, examining religious phenomena across different cultural and national contexts. Among his notable achievements are the Karl-Polányi-Preis from the Hungarian Sociological Society (2018), his fellowship at the Lichtenberg-Kolleg in Göttingen (2011), and his Max Weber Chair at New York University (2003). He has also been recognized with fellowships at Princeton University (1993) and the Wissenschaftskolleg Berlin (1996). Pollack actively contributes to academic discourse through his leadership roles in professional organizations, including the International Society for the Sociology of Religion (since 1995) and the Sociology of Religion section of the German Sociological Association (since 1994). His teaching portfolio includes seminars on postcolonial theory, Western modernity in times of global crisis, religious fundamentalism, secularization, and the relationship between religion and politics in Russia, Germany, and the USA.
Mustafa Ozgur Tuna is Associate Professor of Slavic and Eurasian Studies and History at Duke University, affiliated with the Duke Islamic Studies Center. His research examines Islam's encounters with modernity, focusing on Muslim communities in Russia, Central Asia, and Turkey. Education: Ph.D. from Princeton University; M.A. from Duke University and Free University of Berlin Research Focus: Tuna analyzes how Islamic traditions negotiate modern challenges through case studies of religious intellectuals like Said Nursi, Muslim educational reforms under Russian colonialism, and contemporary urbanization in Anatolia. His work integrates intellectual history, religious studies, and social theory to explore modernity's impact on Islamic thought and practice. Publications: His book Imperial Russia's Muslims (Cambridge University Press) received critical acclaim for documenting Muslim adaptations to European modernity. Articles in journals like Slavic Review examine topics ranging from Jadid educational movements to post-Soviet religious censorship, highlighting Islam's dynamic engagement with modern political and epistemological frameworks. Teaching: He offers courses on Russian/Asian history, Islamic studies, and social movements, emphasizing primary source analysis and interdisciplinary approaches to Eurasia.
Peter O'Brien is a Professor of Political Science at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where he teaches courses in political philosophy, European politics, and political thought. His extensive research focuses on European identity, Islam in Europe, immigration studies, and anti-Americanism, with particular attention to historical and contemporary European perceptions of non-European cultures. O'Brien's educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. from Kalamazoo College. His scholarly work demonstrates a deep engagement with questions of European identity formation, particularly through encounters with Muslim communities and American influence. His research spans historical analysis from medieval times to contemporary politics, examining how Europeans construct their identity through interactions with others. O'Brien's publications reveal consistent themes across decades of scholarship, with recent works addressing counter-terrorism policies, migration governance, and Islamophobia in Europe. His research methodology combines historical analysis with contemporary political theory, often challenging conventional wisdom about European identity and its relationship to non-European cultures. He has developed particular expertise in German politics and European integration processes. Social Science Research Council Fellow at the Free University in Berlin Fulbright Professor at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul Fulbright Professor at the Humboldt University in Berlin As an educator, O'Brien has led immersive study abroad experiences in Berlin, teaching his 'Global City Berlin' course on-site. Beyond academia, he actively volunteers at the Center for Refugee Services and the Village at Incarnate Word senior community, demonstrating commitment to community engagement that complements his scholarly focus on migration and integration issues.
Margaret Tillman serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Purdue University, specializing in modern Chinese history with emphasis on childhood studies, gender dynamics, and transnational educational movements during the 20th and 21st centuries. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Chinese History, University of California, Berkeley B.A. in English, University of California, Berkeley Dr. Tillman's research investigates cross-cultural contestations over identity formation and knowledge production in China. Her monograph, Raising China’s Revolutionaries , examines child welfare as a lens for modernization and nationalism. Current projects include Tested , analyzing Chinese youth responses to educational testing reforms and the transnational development of educational psychology during wartime. Her work bridges historical analysis with anthropology and gender studies to reveal how global influences shaped Chinese societal transformations. Analysis of her recent publications indicates sustained focus on childhood mobilization, gender in revolutionary contexts, missionary activities, and educational reform. These studies demonstrate interdisciplinary rigor connecting history with public health, visual culture, and transnational policy transfer, highlighting China's complex negotiation of modernity through everyday institutions like schools and family life. Scientific awards and grants include: American Council of Learned Societies Grant Taiwan Fulbright Fellowship Dr. Tillman teaches East Asian history courses and contributes to Purdue's Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program. Her research grants indicate leadership in securing external funding for innovative historical projects examining China's integration into global systems through the lens of childhood and education.
Dr Rehana Ahmed is a Reader in Postcolonial and Contemporary Literature at Queen Mary University of London's School of English and Drama. She holds a BA from Oxford, MA from Sussex, and PhD from Nottingham Trent. Previously, she worked at Teesside University and contributed to the AHRC-funded 'Making Britain' project at The Open University. She co-leads the AHRC-funded 'Remaking Britain' project with Bristol University, exploring South Asian connections from the 1830s. Her research focuses on British Muslim/Asian literature, multiculturalism, and diaspora history. She co-edits Wasafiri , Journal of Commonwealth Literature , and the Multicultural Textualities book series. Her teaching includes courses on postcolonial and global literatures, such as ESH285 and ESH6086. Current research explores solidarity in British South Asian writing and the historical South Asian diaspora. She supervises PhD projects on topics like the Wasafiri archive and race in post-millennial fiction. Public engagement includes curation of literary festivals, database projects on South Asian history, and decolonizing cultural initiatives.
