Suzanne Newcombe

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Articles

4

Comments

Suzanne Newcombe is a Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the Open University and Director of Inform, an educational charity which provides information on new and minority religious movements based at King's College London.

I have active research interests in the sociology and social history of religion (broadly understood) and extensive specialist knowledge in new and minority religious movements in modern and contemporary Britain and the modern history of yoga. I am particularly interested in the interfaces between religion, health and healing. I am also committed to understanding how to better understand and negotiate relationships with beliefs and practices that are at tension with wider society. I am am committed to making accurate and evidenced based information on minority religions accessible.

Recent research has considered competing epistemologies in religion and health care during the Covid-19 pandemic, Religious Education in English schools, the 2021 UK Census Data and assessing the security threats which intersect with minority religions. I also have a long-term interest in prophecy, millenarianism and apocalyptic groups.

Experience

  • 2020–present
    Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies, The Open University
  • 2020–present
    Director, Inform, based at King's College London
  • 2016–2020
    Lecturer in Religious Studies, The Open University
  • 2015–2018
    Research Fellow, Inform, based at the London School of Economics

Publications

  • 2023
    Perspectives on ‘Cult’ Rhetoric (And Its Future), JBASR
  • 2023
    Occult Beliefs and the Far Right: The Case of the Order of Nine Angles , Studies in Conflict and Terrorism
  • 2022
    An Opportunity for Expanding University-School Connections: Stakeholder Views of the Religion and Worldview Proposal , JBASR
  • 2021
    Routledge Handbook of Yoga and Meditation Studies, Routledge
  • 2019
    Yoga in Britain: Stretching Spirituality and Educating Yogis, Equinox

Grants and Contracts

  • 2022
    Public Health after COVID: Beliefs, Religion and Competing Epistemologies
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
    British Academy
  • 2021
    Census Stories: Identity, religion and demographic change in 21st century Milton Keynes
    Role:
    Co-I
    Funding Source:
    UKRI
  • 2021
    Promoting the Exploration of Religion and Worldviews in Schools – Fostering Coherency and Diversity
    Role:
    Co-I
    Funding Source:
    Culham St Gabriel's
  • 2015
    Medicine, Immortality, Moksha: Entangled Histories of Yoga, Ayurveda and Alchemy in South Asia
    Role:
    Post Doctoral Researcher
    Funding Source:
    European Research Council
  • 2004
    A Social History of Yoga and Ayurveda in Britain, 1950-1995
    Role:
    PhD Researcher
    Funding Source:
    Arts and Humanities Research Council

Contact Suzanne for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision