Simon Ravenscroft appointed to Murphy Research Fellowship, based at the VHI

Research Associate Dr Simon Ravenscroft has been appointed to a Murphy Research Fellowship by the Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law and Public Policy of the University of St Thomas, Minnesota, and based at the Von Hügel Institute of St Edmund's College.

The appointment will mean Simon continuing his work in Cambridge, while developing the growing relationship between the VHI and the Murphy Institute, begun with our 'Patents on Life' conference, held in Cambridge in 2015 and sponsored by the two institutes. Simon is currently engaged in co-ordinating the publication of an edited volume issuing from that conference, co-edited by himself, Thomas C. Berg of the University of St Thomas, and the VHI's Roman Cholij, and as a Murphy Research Fellow will continue to work strategically with both institutes to explore further opportunities for collaboration and co-operation going forward.

VHI Director Philip McCosker comments: "The Patents on Life conference in 2015 was a major and remarkable joint undertaking by the VHI and the Murphy Institute, separated as they are by an ocean. A strong friendship was created on the way, as well as a strong sense of a common spirit and purpose that will form the basis for further co-operation between us. I am very much looking forward to deepening our relationship with the Murphy Institute over the coming year, and exploring the possibilities for further collaboration that this appointment will encourage."

Elizabeth Schiltz, Co-Director of the Murphy Institute, added: "We are delighted to welcome Dr Ravenscroft as a Murphy Research Fellow, to continue the important work he has begun in editing the volume emerging out of last year's Patents on Life conference.  I am eagerly anticipating joining forces with VHI again in future explorations of our common interest in the contemporary relevance of the interdisciplinary riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition."  

Simon Ravenscroft completed his PhD in philosophy of religion at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge in 2015, writing a dissertation on the social thought of the late Catholic radical Ivan Illich. He has been based at the Von Hügel Institute since April 2015, and is currently finishing his first book, which will be a development of his doctoral dissertation. Alongside his other responsibilities, he is pursuing ongoing research into the social and political significance of laughter and comedy from a theological perspective, giving special attention to the theological paradox of 'wise folly'.