Torch | The Oxford Research Centre In The Humanities

TORCH is an interdisciplinary research Centre that supports and promotes research collaboration of the highest quality that transcends disciplinary and institutional boundaries, and engages with wider and public audiences. TORCH provides an important opportunity for Oxford’s humanities scholars to collaborate with researchers across other disciplines, and institutions; work with academics across all stages of their academic careers; develop partnerships with public and private institutions; engage with wider audiences; and bring together academic research, diverse industries, and the performing arts. The centre is led by an academic director: Professor Christine Gerrard (English Literature) from 2023. The previous TORCH Directors were Professor Wes Williams (French Literature) 2020-2023, Professor María del Pilar Blanco (Spanish American Literature) 2020-2023, Professor Philip Bullock (Russian Literature and Music), 2017-2020, Professor Elleke Boehmer (World Literature in English) 2015-2017 and the founding Director was Professor Stephen Tuck (Modern History), 2012-2015. TORCH has continued to be a nucleus of intellectual energy for the humanities and a place to develop new ideas and collaborations both within and beyond the academy. Each year, TORCH supports around 400 events, reaching over 20,000 people, involving 400 affiliated researchers, and external partners. Since its creation, TORCH has raised over £3million in grants and philanthropy to develop research projects and support research. Over the first 10 years, TORCH has supported 60+ interdisciplinary research networks and is the home for 5 major Research Hubs: Medical Humanities, Race and Resistance, Environmental Humanities, Performance, and Intersectional Humanities. To find out more about our Networks, Hubs, events and activities, and research opportunities visit www.torch.ox.ac.uk or sign up to our newsletter.