Uncovering the Histories of Extinction - Dr Sadiah Qureshi’s Research Journey

Programme: Mid-Career Fellowships

Project title: 'The History of Extinction from the Mastodon to Extinction Rebellion'

Award amount: £167,040

Name of institution: University of Manchester

Understanding the legacies of race and empire is vital to confronting some of today’s most urgent global challenges. Professor Sadiah Qureshi, a leading historian in modern British history, has devoted her career to examining how historical debates shape contemporary issues, from biodiversity loss to persistent inequalities and racism.

With the support of a 12-month British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship, Prof Sadiah Qureshi was able to deepen her research into the histories of extinction, bridging scholarly insight with public engagement. The fellowship not only provided financial support, but also the opportunity to collaborate with galleries and cultural institutions, taking complex historical ideas beyond academic spaces and into the wider world.

Prof Qureshi’s work highlights that extinction is far more than a biological phenomenon. It is, she argues, often the result of political choices. In a time of biodiversity crisis, understanding the historical roots of extinction offers essential lessons about the decisions societies must make to build a fairer and more sustainable future. The British Academy’s support allowed her to amplify her research, fostering public conversations that connect the past with the possibilities of a better world.

The fellowship also gave Prof Qureshi the focused time she needed to bring a long-term research project to fruition, culminating in her book published in June 2025, Vanished: An Unnatural History of Extinction. Completing this work was something she once thought might never happen. Holding the bound page proofs for the first time was a moment of genuine pride and joy.

The funding came at a crucial time for me. Mid-career academics often struggle to balance research with teaching and administrative responsibilities, and this funding gave me the space to focus on a writing project that I had been developing for years. The Academy’s focus on public scholarship has been invaluable in ensuring that this work is accessible and impactful.

Shortly after the fellowship, I was appointed as a professor, which was a major career milestone for me. I believe the Academy’s support played a role in making that possible.

For Prof Qureshi, the combination of rigorous research support and a commitment to public engagement made the British Academy an ideal partner. Her experience demonstrates how academic work can shape critical debates well beyond university walls, inspiring new ways of thinking about the urgent issues of today.

Prof Sadiah Qureshi’s story is an example of the British Academy’s commitment to empowering scholars to connect knowledge with action, and helping ideas flourish for the benefit of society as a whole.

Find out more about the British Academy’s Mid-Career Fellowships scheme in the funding section of the website.