Rate Professor Thom van Dooren

Professional Summary: Professor Thom van Dooren

Professor Thom van Dooren is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, recognized for his interdisciplinary work in environmental humanities, philosophy, and multispecies studies. His research and writing explore the ethical, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of human-animal relationships, extinction, and environmental change, contributing significantly to global discussions on conservation and ecological ethics.

Academic Background and Degrees

Thom van Dooren holds advanced degrees in philosophy and environmental studies. He earned his PhD from the Australian National University, where his work focused on the intersections of ethics, ecology, and human-animal interactions. His academic training has equipped him with a robust foundation in both theoretical and applied approaches to environmental challenges.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor van Dooren’s research specializes in the environmental humanities, with a particular focus on:

• Multispecies ethics and the philosophy of extinction
• Human-animal relationships in the context of environmental change
• Cultural and ethical dimensions of conservation practices
• Storytelling as a tool for understanding ecological loss and fostering care

His work often bridges philosophy, anthropology, and ecology, offering innovative perspectives on how humans can live responsibly with other species in a time of rapid environmental transformation.

Career History and Appointments

Thom van Dooren has held several prestigious academic positions, reflecting his expertise and leadership in the field:

• Associate Professor, School of Humanities, University of Sydney (current)
• Previously held academic roles at the University of New South Wales and other institutions
• Co-founder of the Extinction Studies Working Group, an international research collective focused on the cultural and ethical implications of species loss

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor van Dooren’s contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, including:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship (2017–2021), supporting his research on extinction and multispecies justice
• Recipient of various grants and fellowships for projects in environmental humanities

Key Publications

Thom van Dooren is a prolific author whose works are widely cited in environmental humanities and related fields. Some of his notable publications include:

• Flight Ways: Life and Loss at the Edge of Extinction (2014) – A seminal book exploring the cultural and ethical dimensions of avian extinction
• The Wake of Crows: Living and Dying in Shared Worlds (2019) – A deep examination of human-crow relationships and multispecies ethics
• Co-editor of Extinction Studies: Stories of Time, Death, and Generations (2017) – A collaborative volume on the narratives surrounding extinction
• Numerous peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Environmental Humanities, Cultural Studies Review, and Humanimalia

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor van Dooren’s work has had a profound impact on the emerging field of environmental humanities, particularly through his pioneering contributions to extinction studies and multispecies ethics. His research challenges conventional conservation paradigms by emphasizing the importance of storytelling, grief, and ethical responsibility in addressing species loss. His books and articles are widely taught in university curricula globally, and his collaborative projects, such as the Extinction Studies Working Group, have fostered interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars, activists, and policymakers.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Thom van Dooren is an active participant in academic and public spheres, contributing through:

• Regular keynote lectures and presentations at international conferences on environmental humanities and extinction studies
• Editorial board membership for journals like Environmental Humanities, where he co-edits and shapes critical scholarship in the field
• Public engagement through essays, podcasts, and interviews that make his research accessible to broader audiences