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(1938-) Professor of Sociology (with special reference to the Study of Religion), and Convener of the Department of Sociology, London School of Economics and Political Science; Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics, University of London; Past Academic Governor of the LSE (1988-1992). Founded INFORM (Information Network Focus on Religious Movements) in 1988 and now serves as the Chair of its Board of Governors. Many elected positions in professional associations, including President, Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (1991-1993); Chair of the British Sociological Association, Sociology of Religion Study Group (1985-1990); Executive Committee, Conférence (now Société) Internationale de Sociologie des Religions (1985-1989); Vice President, International Sociological Association Research Committee 22 (1985-1993); Executive Council, Association for the Sociology of Religion (1987-1991); Nominating Committee, Religious Research Association (1989-1991); President, London Society for the Study of Religion (1994-1996).

Author of two books, including the award-winning The Making of a Moonie: Brainwashing or Choice? (Blackwell 1984), and editor of seven collections, including Of Gods and Men: New Religious Movements in the West (Mercer University Press 1984). A leading scholar in the sociology of new religious movements, Eileen Barker has published more than 100 articles in journals or chapters in books. Her work has been translated into 15 languages. She has been awarded research funds from both government and foundation sources. Over the last 20 years, she has delivered in excess of 500 guest lectures in universities in North America, East and West Europe, Australasia, and Asia.

—Nancy Nason-Clark

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