Petrophonics

Dr Reuben Martens is currently collaborating on a research-creation project called “Petrophonics” with Prof. David Janzen (University of Calgary). “Petrophonics” advances an original interdisciplinary inquiry into redefining the sonic phenomenology of everyday environmental soundscapes by foregrounding how the materiality of fossil fuels mediates auditory experiences. Coining the term petrophonics to theorise an “oil phenomenology of sound”, this project wants to argue that the material infrastructures of petroleum not only produce but also condition our auditory environments—shaping what and how we hear in everyday life.

Women Make Science Fiction

Dr Amy Chambers is currently on a grant to support their project on women (incl. transwomen) and non-binary creators of science fiction media, and a book project on women scientists in Anglo-American media (Steminist Screens). Amy also has a podcast called ‘Women Make Science Fiction’ and posts regular review essays and updates on women-created science fiction feature films on their website and Instagram.

Comedy and Racial Justice

Following a conference at MMU in April 2025, organised with the Comedy and Gender Research Network, Mixed Bill, Dr Sarah Ilott is co-editing a special edition of the journal Comedy Studies with colleagues from the UK, Australia and the US and exploring a network devoted to the role comedy can play in a decolonising pedagogy and the development of racial literacy.

The Films of Tobe Hooper

Dr Matthew Carter is currently working on a monograph on the films of Tobe Hooper.

Body Horror

Dr Xavier Aldana Reyes is currently completing a second short book on body horror for the Short Cuts series (Wallflower) and has begun editing the Cambridge Companion to Body Horror, scheduled for submission in 2027.

Christian Apocalyptic Culture

Dr Andrew Crome is currently working on contemporary depictions of Christian apocalyptic culture as well as historical projects of Christian Zionism in 19th-century culture.

The Witcher (2019)

Dr Marta F. Suarez is currently publishing a piece on The Witcher. Suarez, M.F. (2026) The Lion Cub, the Witcher, and the War: Ciri and Gendered Violence. In Chapdelaine-Feliciati, C. (ed.) Girls’ Positionalities at the Intersection of Identity and Violence. Gender, Justice and Legal Feminism (vol. 6). Springer Cham.

Additionally, she will be publishing more work on The Witcher. Suarez, M.F. (TBC) Empowerment and Agency. Adapting for Global Audiences. Transmedia and Crossmedia dimensions of Yennefer, Ciri and Milva in The Witcher Universe.

The image credits go to Kasun Asanka on Unsplash