8 January, 2026
For Immediate Press Release
We are delighted to announce the launch of The Oxford Interfaith Emerging Scholar Prize, sponsored by Susanne Jennings.
Oxford Interfaith Forum would like
to express our gratitude to
Susanne Jennings for sponsoring
the Oxford Interfaith Emerging Scholar Prize,
in honour of Professor Edward K. Kaplan (Z”L).
******************************************
Susanne Jennings is an alumna of Cambridge University in Theology. She has a long-established background in the field of interfaith and interest in its capacity to open up new and imaginative ways in which divisions can be addressed and the furtherance of peace facilitated.
Susanne has had an abiding interest in the life, work and thought of Abraham Heschel and Thomas Merton and has written and given conference papers on both men. A chance meeting with Professor Edward K. Kaplan while on an International Thomas Merton Society retreat at Merton’s abbey in Kentucky (USA) led to an enduring friendship and the sharing of projects concerned with the promotion of interfaith dialogue and understanding. Susanne decided to sponsor Oxford’s Emerging Scholar Interfaith Prize in honour of the legacy of Professor Edward K. Kaplan (Z”L). More information about Susanne Jennings is available here.
The Prize will be awarded annually to an emerging scholar for their individual commitment to and involvement in the furtherance of interfaith education and collaboration.
The Oxford Interfaith Emerging Scholar Prize Fund is open to—and welcomes!—contributions
from individuals and institutions.
To contribute to it, please go to this link, scroll down to see the following image, and click on ‘Join‘.
Eligibility
All current students at the University of Oxford,* and those who received their degrees no earlier than June 2021, excluding tenured and tenure-track professors and academic centre directors, are invited to apply.
*N.B. This criterion may be expanded in future years.
Selection Criteria
Selection will be based upon submission of a Statement of Interest. Candidates should give a detailed account of their experience in, commitment to, and support of interfaith education. The selected individual will be expected to participate in the Oxford Interfaith Forum’s projects, including the Edward K. Kaplan Interfaith Lectureship.
Submission of Application
a) Application Form (download from here)
b) The Statement of Interest
c) Detailed CV
d) Two Letters of Recommendation
The Prize Details
The Prize carries a monetary value in addition to the honour and privileges bestowed upon an inaugural awardee; the Prize holder will be featured on the Oxford Interfaith Forum’s website.
The Selection Committee
TBA
Deadline for Submissions: 23 March 2026 | 17:00 GMT
We look forward to receiving your applications!
