A world-leading theologian and ethicist is to join the University of Aberdeen.
Professor David Clough will be joining the Divinity Department as Professor in Theology and Applied Sciences.
Professor Clough specialises in non-human creation and is currently undertaking an AHRC follow-on project in relation to this work.
The author of the ground-breaking two volume On Animals, Professor Clough joins Aberdeen from the University of Chester where he has, throughout the last decade, held at various points the posts of Sub-Dean for PGR Research and Head of Theology and Religious Studies. Professor Clough is also the director of an international NGO, Creature Kind.
Educated at the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Yale, he has been the President of Society for the Study of Christian Ethics and is the incoming President of Society for the Study of Theology.
Professor Clough’s focus on environment and agriculture directly engages with the University’s 2040 Strategy’s theme of ‘sustainability’, and his interdisciplinary approach enhances Divinity’s contribution to this aspect of the university’s strategic focus.
Professor Clough said "I’m excited to be joining a department with such a strong reputation for excellent theological research and a University so clearly committed to a robust sustainability strategy. I look forward to new opportunities for collaborative research engaging theology and the more-than-human world and to helping to take forward work on the University’s environmental commitments."
Head of Divinity, Professor Tom Greggs, FRSE, said of the appointment: “I am delighted that Professor David Clough will be joining us. We are a world-leading department with great impact, and David’s appointment will secure and enhance our impact agenda in years to come.”
Dr Paula Sweeney, Head of the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History added: “I am incredibly excited by Professor Clough’s appointment. In addition to his impressive ‘on paper’ credentials, he is a fantastic communicator of ideas and cross-disciplinary collaborator who is well-placed to lead on many aspects of the School’s engagement with the Aberdeen 2040 strategy”
Professor Clough welcomes applications to study with him at Masters degree or PhD level (either on campus or at distance).