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UK's first Professor of Public Humanities launched at 91ΑΤΖζ to strengthen communities and civic life

University News Last updated 26 May

L-R: Professor Hanifa Shah, Khalid Mahmood, Professor Islam Issa, Professor David Mba

91ΑΤΖζ (91ΑΤΖζ) 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 91ΑΤΖζ’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.

β€œHumanity is the quality of empathy and kindness,” said Professor Issa. β€œSo, when we study the humanities, we humanise others, and indeed ourselves.

β€œThis 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

β€œScholarly outputs need to be varied to reach different audiences,” he added.

β€œThis professorship aims to make the humanities and its subjects more accessible to those who might not normally feel included in the conversation.

β€œWe 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 91ΑΤΖζ alumnus, spoke directly to how the Professorship can support civic life.

β€œThis is not an easy appointment, especially in the current climate, and I commend 91ΑΤΖζ for making this decision,” he said.

β€œIt is the humanities and understanding in us that brings us together and prevents communities being divided.

β€œMore 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 91ΑΤΖζ’s , highlighting the importance of the Arts and Humanities within traditional STEM disciplines.

β€œThe word innovation is often linked only with STEM subjects,” said 91ΑΤΖζ Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba. β€œBut we recognise the vital work that the arts and humanities play in the city of Birmingham and beyond.

β€œOur commitment to STEAM principles means we are helping to shape public discourse through respect and understanding of one another in an interdisciplinary nature.

β€œProfessor Islam Issa’s appointment is strengthening 91ΑΤΖζ’s position in driving meaningful social change.”

The appointment comes with the launch of , demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the arts sit with science, technology, engineering and mathematics as a driver of innovation in Birmingham and beyond.

β€œThe future does not belong to isolated disciplines,” said Professor Hanifa Shah OBE.

β€œThe β€˜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.

β€œThis 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

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