As I pause to look back on 2024, I marvel at how transformative this year has been. It’s been a journey of new opportunities, significant milestones, and meaningful transitions—all setting the stage for what lies ahead.
From Oxford to King’s College London
2024 was marked with an intensive focus on developing and launching the Gen Z project, a participatory research initiative exploring young people’s religious and spiritual role models. With generous funding from Oxford’s John Fell Fund and support from the UNIQ+ graduate access programme, the project progressed through data collection, narrative analysis, and conference presentations across the UK. A summer collaboration with talented UNIQ+ interns enriched the research, and preparations are now underway for a Gen Z Summit at the University of Oxford in February.
This year, I also submitted the manuscript of my book on leadership to Cambridge University Press, marking a significant milestone in my academic journey. This accomplishment preceded the conclusion of my McDonald Postdoctoral Fellowship in Christian Ethics & Public Life at Christ Church, Oxford. Wrapping up the fellowship earlier than anticipated—thanks to securing a permanent academic role—was both a bittersweet farewell and an exciting conclusion. The fellowship allowed me to contribute to the life of the Faculty of Theology and Religion and collaborate with brilliant colleagues. I’m delighted to continue as a Visiting Researcher in the Faculty until October 2025.
New horizons at King’s College London
October ushered in an exciting new chapter as I joined King’s College London as AKC Director and Lecturer in Ethics & Values in both the Dean’s Office and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. Helping shape the Associateship of King’s College (AKC)—the original qualification and degree-equivalent of King’s—has been both an exciting opportunity and a great honour. With over 4,000 enrolments, the AKC team and I aim to grow the programme further, ensuring it becomes a defining element of the King’s experience for students, staff, and alumni.
Driving innovation in SME education
In my consultancy with Saïd Business School and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK, I worked to integrate AI into SME education, emphasising both innovation and ethical responsibility. This year’s highlights included facilitating policy roundtables and delivering talks like ‘Competitor Analysis with Generative AI’. The 10KSB family is such a dynamic community, and I certainly learn more from our small business owners than they learn from me!
Looking ahead: 2025 and beyond
As 2025 approaches, my goals are clear, albeit always developing!
- Grow the AKC: Increase enrolments by engaging more departments, alumni and staff, making it the flagship enrichment offering of King’s College London.
- Enhance departmental culture: Support the Department of Theology and Religious Studies in maintaining strong application numbers through a best-in-class student experience.
- Publish and expand research: With a Routledge book in progress (on law and religion), I aim to secure another book deal and major funding for the Gen Z project.
- Advance SME Education: Continue designing AI-driven programmes that enable SMEs to innovate safely and effectively.
Gratitude
2024 has been a year of growth, learning, and collaboration. I am deeply grateful to the colleagues, mentors, students, and friends who have been part of this journey. Together, we’ve built strong foundations, serving students, aspiring researchers, and small businesses. I’m eager to see what 2025 will bring!
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
Edward A. David 
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