Engaging in Conversation - Phil Almond

IASH's Emeritus Professor Phil Almond is among the top contributors to The Conversation, in April 2019 coming in first of 765 contributors for the number of readers over the previous 12 months. His article recognising the 40th anniversary of Monty Python's Life of Brian was particularly well received, generating requests for radio interviews in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

Operating since March 2011, The Conversation's team of professional editors work with academics from a range of universities and research intstitutions to provide access to current and topical research through "independent, high-quality, authenticated, explanatory journalism." 

Engaging in public dialogue in this way can be time consuming, but as Phil says,

As receivers of funds from the public purse, I believe we have an ethical obligation to communicate our research to the general community.

He sees Humanities researchers as "cultural map makers" and believes that it is really important for researchers to make those maps as public as they can. Sites like The Conversation are ideal for doing this.

Phil's extensive research and broad knowledge, which enable him to comment on topics as diverse as the Prime Minister's version of faith, Western attitudes to Islam, witch trials, and the histories of God and the Devil, make him an engaging and appealing commentator. His most recent article explores the doctrine of divine Providence in relation to the global COVID-19 pandemic. His recent books have been translated into Hungarian and Polish.