University News Last updated 26 May
Birmingham City University (BCU) has officially launched the UK's first ever Professor of Public Humanities - a landmark role designed to bring the arts and humanities closer to the public and to help tackle growing community divisions.
Award-winning broadcaster and writer Professor Islam Issa was formally installed in the role at a red-carpet event at BCU’s STEAMhouse on 18 May.
Featuring discussions from public sector, cultural and media experts, there was a key message throughout: we still need the humanities to remind us of our humanity.
“Humanity is the quality of empathy and kindness,” said Professor Issa. “So, when we study the humanities, we humanise others, and indeed ourselves.
“This is what makes the humanities important today. In times of change, conflict and division, now more than ever, we need to be reminded of what makes us human."
Professor Issa has built a global profile as an author, broadcaster and researcher, and is now using that platform to make the case that academic voices belong in public life and in the media
“Scholarly outputs need to be varied to reach different audiences,” he added.
“This professorship aims to make the humanities and its subjects more accessible to those who might not normally feel included in the conversation.
“We advance with science and technology, but these are born out of the power of the human mind and imagination.”
Khalid Mahmood, former MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and a BCU alumnus, spoke directly to how the Professorship can support civic life.
“This is not an easy appointment, especially in the current climate, and I commend BCU for making this decision,” he said.
“It is the humanities and understanding in us that brings us together and prevents communities being divided.
“More young people need to take this trail, to deepen their understanding of humanity and be the next generation of civic leaders.”
The launch event took place during BCU’s Innovation Fest, highlighting the importance of the Arts and Humanities within traditional STEM disciplines.
“The word innovation is often linked only with STEM subjects,” said BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba. “But we recognise the vital work that the arts and humanities play in the city of Birmingham and beyond.
“Our commitment to STEAM principles means we are helping to shape public discourse through respect and understanding of one another in an interdisciplinary nature.
“Professor Islam Issa’s appointment is strengthening BCU’s position in driving meaningful social change.”
The appointment comes with the launch of BCU’s STEAM strategy, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the arts sit with science, technology, engineering and mathematics as a driver of innovation in Birmingham and beyond.
“The future does not belong to isolated disciplines,” said Professor Hanifa Shah OBE.
“The ‘A’ in STEAM matters. Creativity, the humanities and the Arts help us understand people, culture, ethics and history, shape public conversation, and influence civic life.
“This professorship builds partnerships, connects research to community, and is a practical and powerful example of STEAM in action.”
Photo L-R: Professor Hanifa Shah, Khalid Mahmood, Professor Islam Issa, Professor David Mba