Suzanne Newcombe is a Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the Open University and Director of Inform, an educational charity which provides information on new and minority religious movements based at King's College London.
I have active research interests in the sociology and social history of religion (broadly understood) and extensive specialist knowledge in new and minority religious movements in modern and contemporary Britain and the modern history of yoga. I am particularly interested in the interfaces between religion, health and healing. I am also committed to understanding how to better understand and negotiate relationships with beliefs and practices that are at tension with wider society. I am am committed to making accurate and evidenced based information on minority religions accessible.
Recent research has considered competing epistemologies in religion and health care during the Covid-19 pandemic, Religious Education in English schools, the 2021 UK Census Data and assessing the security threats which intersect with minority religions. I also have a long-term interest in prophecy, millenarianism and apocalyptic groups.
Experience
2020–present
Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies, The Open University
2020–present
Director, Inform, based at King's College London
2016–2020
Lecturer in Religious Studies, The Open University
2015–2018
Research Fellow, Inform, based at the London School of Economics
Publications
2023
Perspectives on ‘Cult’ Rhetoric (And Its Future), JBASR
2023
Occult Beliefs and the Far Right: The Case of the Order of Nine Angles , Studies in Conflict and Terrorism
2022
An Opportunity for Expanding University-School Connections: Stakeholder Views of the Religion and Worldview Proposal , JBASR
2021
Routledge Handbook of Yoga and Meditation Studies, Routledge
2019
Yoga in Britain: Stretching Spirituality and Educating Yogis, Equinox
Grants and Contracts
2022
Public Health after COVID: Beliefs, Religion and Competing Epistemologies
Role:
Principal Investigator
Funding Source:
British Academy
2021
Census Stories: Identity, religion and demographic change in 21st century Milton Keynes
Role:
Co-I
Funding Source:
UKRI
2021
Promoting the Exploration of Religion and Worldviews in Schools – Fostering Coherency and Diversity
Role:
Co-I
Funding Source:
Culham St Gabriel's
2015
Medicine, Immortality, Moksha: Entangled Histories of Yoga, Ayurveda and Alchemy in South Asia
Role:
Post Doctoral Researcher
Funding Source:
European Research Council
2004
A Social History of Yoga and Ayurveda in Britain, 1950-1995