Professorships in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Writing and social questions will be in focus for Susanna Alakoski as she takes up a visiting professorship at the Department of Culture and Society. She will devote her time to stimulating and improving writing skills in research and education.

Susanna Alakoski has published several novels, children’s books and essays. Her debut novel, Svinalängorna, in 2006 was awarded the August Prize and has been transferred to both the cinema and the theatre. Her work depicts women’s history, social vulnerability and poverty, but also survival, joy and love.

Alakoski studied as a social worker, and worked in this profession before turning to writing. She has a strong commitment to issues of society and social politics.

Photo credit Magnus Johansson

Keti Chukhrov is an art and cultural theorist with an interest in areas such as philosophy, politics, media theory and art. Her research areas are interconnected and concern philosophy of performativity, the impact of non-capitalistic political economics in socialist epistemology and art as the institute of global contemporaneity.

In addition to being a researcher, she is a writer and an artist. Chukhrov writes dramatic poems which might be staged at the theatre or made as a video of performance. Her poetry explores the post-socialist demise of the Soviet empire. 

Chukhrov's theoretic research stems from her dramatic writing and collaboration with the artistic scene.

As visiting professor, she will focus on her ongoing research as well as organise workshops, lectures and seminars.

Interview with Keti Chukhrov.

Photo credit Charlotte Perhammar

It gives coming generations a deep and more versatile understanding of themselves and their fellows, and of their place in history and society. Further, perspectives from the humanities and social sciences can create an in-depth understanding of humans as social, historical and political beings. Throughout life, language, literature and art can be pathways not only to self-insight but also to societal understanding and compassion.

Knowledge in the humanities and an artistic perspective contribute in this way to the type of culture and historical awareness that is necessary to make wise decisions. In-depth historical studies and a comparative perspective create understanding of our history and present, which is required to build a society characterised by sustainability, democracy, compassion and social justice.

Thus, the professorship programme is founded on the concept of education and research in the humanities, social sciences and artistic disciplines, as part of the foundation of a democratic society.

Through these professorships, Linköping University aspires to contribute to societal development based on knowledge, a broader utilisation of the knowledge assets of the academic world, and a society characterised by credibility, security and trust. It aspires also to the clear communication of these values to coming generations.

The professorships will he held for a period of 1-3 years. The holders are expected to spend the majority of their time at Linköping University during this period, and will receive an appropriate academic salary at the level of professor, as agreed.

Linköping University will through these professorships attract people to the university renowned for scholarly or artistic expertise.

The programme is intended for prominent researchers in the humanities and social sciences, and those in elements of the educational sciences focussed on the humanities. The programme is also intended for authors, educators, teachers, journalists, writers, artists, film creators, photographers and those active in other art forms. The professorships may be awarded to Swedish and international applicants.