Joanna Leidenhag --- The Smith Lecture, Autumn 2025 Doing Theology as a Sibling

Each semester, an outstanding female scholar from any sub-discipline of Divinity is invited to St Andrews to deliver the Smith Lecture in memory of Agnes Lewis and Margaret Dunlop (both née Smith), twin sisters from Ayrshire, whose contribution to Divinity led to the award of honorary doctorates in 1901 by the University.

A Smith Lecturer addresses a wide-ranging audience of undergraduates, postgraduates and staff and also meets informally with female students who might be interested in pursuing an academic career in the discipline.

Joanna Leidenhag, incoming Starbridge Professor of Theology and Natural Science (University of Cambridge), is a leading figure in science-engaged theology and an alumna of the University of St Andrews. Her theological research spans topics such as panpsychism, autism and ecology.

She is currently Associate Professor in Theology and Philosophy at the University of Leeds and the Principal Investigator of the Templeton-funded project God, Language and Diversity.

Following the lecture, women scholars will have the opportunity to meet Dr Leidenhag in the Senior Common Room of St Mary's College (School of Divinity) for conversation not only about her lecture but around ways of encouraging and advancing women's careers in the academy.

This event is organised by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee of the School of Divinity of the University of St Andrews.