Dr Brian Grim has joined St Mary’s University, Twickenham as a Visiting Professor within the School of Management and Social Sciences. Dr Grim will work closely within the School to consider religious freedom within the context of business, human rights and community cohesion. In particular the School will work with Dr Grim on his empowerment initiative to counter radicalisation.
Dr Brian Grim is President of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and a leading expert on international religious demography and the socio-economic impact of restrictions on religious freedom. He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s council on the role of faith and an advisor for the religion and geopolitics project of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. He is an associate scholar at the Religious Liberty Project at Georgetown University and an affiliated scholar at Boston University’s Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs.
St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Francis Campbell said, “We are very pleased Brian has decided to join us. He will play a key role at St Mary’s as the School of Management and Social Sciences considers the intersection between religious freedom and business.”
Dr Brian Grim said, “I am excited to join St Mary’s at an exciting time for the University. Its open approach and outward facing stance will be vital for the growth of this historic institution. I look forward to playing my part in its future.”
Dr Brian Grim is the latest in a series of high-profile appointments as former Secretary of State for Education Ruth Kelly is to join St Mary’s in a new role as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, while former Irish President Mary McAleese was made Distinguished Professor in Irish Studies. This year St Mary’s celebrates its165th anniversary. The milestone is being marked by a number of high-profile events, including the installation of Cardinal Vincent Nichols as Chancellor in a service at Westminster Cathedral in May this year.