TORCH

TORCH | The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities

TORCH is a nucleus of intellectual energy for the humanities and a place to develop new ideas and collaborations both within and beyond academia.

Since its creation, TORCH has raised over £3 million in grants and philanthropy to support researchers to develop research projects. Launched in May 2013, 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.

TORCH is led by an academic director: Professor Christine Gerrard. The previous TORCH Directors were Professor Elleke Boehmer (Professor of World Literature in English) 2015-2017, Professor Stephen Tuck (Professor of Modern History) 2013-2015, Professor Philip Bullock (Professor of Russian Literature) 2016-2020, and Professor Wes Williams (Professor of French Literature) 2020-2023. 

During 2017-18, TORCH hosted almost 400 events, with audiences of over 18,000 people; supported 400 researchers, 48 Knowledge Exchange Fellows; provided funding for Early Career Fellows, 45 seed-funded research networks and 10 programmes.

The Director Professor Christine Gerrard (christine.gerrard@lmh.ox.ac.uk) welcomes questions about the centre and suggestions for research and wider engagement activities.

For more information, visit the TORCH website