Celebrating the launch of six new interdisciplinary research themes

28 October 2025

Research Institute News

A montage of academics interacting at a research showcase

On 22 October, the IMH welcomed more than 60 IMH Fellows, Durham University researchers and professional services staff to the launch of six new research strands.

Between 2025 and 2027, our interdisciplinary research into hidden experiences of health and illness will explore the following themes:

Violence, Trauma and Memory led by Katrin Wehling-Giorgi (Modern Language and Cultures) and Corinne Saunders (English Studies)
Weather, Climate and Health led by Jed Stevenson (Anthropology), Maximillian Hepach (Geography) and Angela Marques Filipe (Sociology)
Gender, Affective Injustice and Health led by Roslyn Malcolm (Anthropology) and Katherine Puddifoot (Philosophy)
Spirituality, Health and Wellbeing led by Sitna Quiroz (Theology and Religion), Arya Thampuran (English Studies), Adam Powell (Theology and Religion), Loretta Lou (Anthropology) and Fran Cettl (DCAD)
The Beginning and End of Life led by Samantha Halliday (Law), Emily Tupper (Sport and Exercise Sciences) and Sarah Wieten (Philosophy)
AI and Medical Humanities led by Sam Bennett (Geography), Alex Campolo (Geography), Angela Woods (English Studies) and Victoria Patton (English Studies)

The launch was held on the top floor of the Calman Building at Durham University. Attendees enjoyed a range of presentations from our Research Theme leads, who outlined their research plans and activities for the next six to twelve months.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate these exciting new directions for our Research Institute!