University News Last updated 21 August
Award-winning broadcaster and bestselling author Islam Issa has been named as the UK’s first Professor of Public Humanities by Birmingham City University (BCU).
This landmark appointment strengthens BCU’s position as a national leader in the arts and humanities, furthering its mission to drive meaningful social and cultural change.
Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said: “This strategic role aligns with BCU’s mission to create and share knowledge for a better and more inclusive society, while also linking the university and region to the world beyond.
“Islam Issa brings a wealth of experience and proven success in speaking impactfully to the public, whether through his writing or broadcasting.
“At a time of uncertainty about the state of the humanities, we remain the leading provider of creative graduates in the region, and this professorship is a clear message about BCU’s commitment to the arts and recognition of its value.”
Professor Hanifa Shah OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Enterprise Engagement and STEAM, said: “In Islam Issa, BCU has long had a public humanities practitioner in its ranks.
“His public profile and impact have embodied and advocated representation and inclusion.”
Professor Issa (pictured) joined BCU in 2015 and has since developed a global profile as an author, broadcaster and curator who brings pioneering approaches and fresh narratives to the arts.
Described by the BBC as “one of the UK’s most significant new thinkers”, he became Professor of Literature and History at BCU in 2022.
“I have long believed in the power and indispensability of the arts and humanities to inform, entertain, and above all do good,” said Professor Issa.
“I look forward to continuing my writing, broadcasting and events at a global scale that exemplifies BCU’s mantra of reaching beyond.”
The professorship is aligned to BCU’s new School of Arts, which consists of three departments: Art and Design, English and Media, and Fashion and Jewellery.
It is also a nod to BCU’s rich history of delivering arts education since 1843 – and the creation of the UK’s first public art school.
Professor Shah added: “We see these as exciting times for the arts and humanities, which are part of BCU’s STEAM agenda.
“With lots of technological advancement, it is vital that we showcase to the public and our university community the wide-reaching benefits of the humanities through a practical example rooted in Birmingham.”
Professor Issa has presented several television and radio documentaries for the BBC, in addition to hosting a number of flagship talk-shows and podcasts.
He has also featured on networks such as the History Channel and Netflix, appeared on more than 60 television or radio stations worldwide, and writes for several leading publications, most regularly the BBC History Magazine.
Professor Issa’s accolades include The Times Higher Education ‘Research Project of the Year’ for the Stories of Sacrifice exhibition, praised by King Charles III as having “huge importance”.
His book, Alexandria: The City that Changed the World, scooped the prestigious Runciman Award, has been translated into six languages, and is a Sunday Times, Times Literary Supplement and Waterstones ‘Book of the Year’.
Read Times Higher Education's interview with Professor Islam Issa here.