PhD Aberystwyth University
B.A. Hons. University of Southampton
Dr John Wrighton is Head of Research for the School of Humanities at University of Brighton. He directs the strategic development of researchers in the Humanities subjects (Literature; Language & Linguistics; History of Art & Design; History, Philosophy, Culture and Politics), and has served as Research and Subject Leader for Literature, and is currently Course Leader, MA Literature. During 2011-13, Dr Wrighton was seconded to the Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre at Ryerson University in Toronto, where he held the position of International Research Fellow.
In 2006, Dr Wrighton was awarded the Rose and Sigmund Strochlitz Research Grant to undertake archival work at University of Connecticut (USA). Synthesizing his studies in ethical philosophy and post-structuralist theory with a pioneering new reading of post-war American poetics this project led to the publication of his acclaimed first book Ethics and Politics in Modern American Poetry (New York and London: Routledge, 2010). His cutting-edge research knowledge is disseminated regularly at major international conferences, in addition to guest lectures for prestigious institutions (including, Keele, Oxford, Westminster, Northampton, Surrey, Edinburgh, Ryerson University, Toronto, and Aberystwyth). He has organised and chaired important gatherings in the field and has co-authored articles with world leading scholars, most recently with Tier One Canada Research Chair, Professor Irene Gammel.
Dr Wrighton’s research at the critical nexus of ideas between literature, ethics, and society, is motivated in synergy with a deep commitment to the idea of the university and the personal and social value of literary study. In 2014, in recognition of his professional and academic leadership, Dr Wrighton was accredited to Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2009, he took a central role in a nation-wide HEFCW funded project supporting the enhancement of learning and teaching through the innovative use of digital technologies and he has been an ambassador for widening participation and social inclusion at institutions in England and Wales. Through his leadership as International Research Fellow 2011-13 at the Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre (MLCRC) at Ryerson University in Toronto, and in his current post as Head of Research, Dr Wrighton actively supports the early career development of researchers and postgraduate students across the humanities. Recent collaborative projects include the expansion of the inter-departmental Centre for Contemporary Poetry across four universities and the co-ordination of its annual and international video-linked seminar series.
Links:
- Dr Wrighton’s University of Brighton Research Profile.
- Dr Wrighton’s profile page at Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre (MLCRC), Ryerson University, Canada.
- Centre for Contemporary Poetry website edited by Dr Wrighton.