The Faculty of Theology and Religion and Blackfriars Hall are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Reginald Lynch as Senior Research Fellow and Departmental Lecturer in Medieval and Scholastic Theology.
Shared between the Faculty and Blackfriars Hall, the newly established post will support teaching and research in medieval theological traditions and strengthen Oxford's long-standing reputation in a field that played a foundational role in the University's early history.
Dr Lynch will also serve as Director of the Aquinas Institute at Blackfriars Hall, helping to promote the study of Medieval and Scholastic Theology, including the thought of Aquinas and the theological tradition associated with him. Through his work, he will contribute to scholarship within Oxford University and internationally, support emerging scholars, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to wider public engagement with theological scholarship.
Professor Mark Edwards, Chair of the Faculty Board of Theology and Religion, reflects on the appointment:
"Although we have never entirely lost our expertise in medieval theology, the Faculty has not had a dedicated post in the subject for many years. We welcome the establishment of this Departmental Lectureship in the field of scholastic theology, which is what first made this University famous, and congratulate Dr Reginald Lynch on his appointment. We also thank Peter McDonald for his generous donation, and are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our long-standing links with Blackfriars Hall."
Rev Dr John D O'Connor OP, Regent of Blackfriars Hall, adds:
"I am truly delighted that Rev Dr Reginald Lynch will join Blackfriars Hall. He is an outstanding scholar. Whilst his main expertise is in Medieval and Scholastic Theology, and the thought of Aquinas and his legacy in particular, he has also published more widely on an impressive variety of theological topics. Reginald is thus exceptionally well equipped to lead Blackfriars’ Aquinas Institute in its mission to engage the thought of Aquinas and the Thomistic tradition with a broad range of scholars. It is an added delight that we are partnering with the Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the McDonald Agape Foundation for their very generous support."
The post has been established through the generous support of the McDonald Agape Foundation, whose gift will support both the appointment and the activities of the Aquinas Institute.
Dr Lynch's appointment reflects the shared commitment of the Faculty of Theology and Religion and Blackfriars Hall to advancing teaching and research in Medieval and Scholastic Theology and to supporting the continued development of this field at Oxford.
