Lars-Folke Landgrén

Walter Lars-Folke Landgrén
Born April 18, 1951, Helsinki.

Master of Arts, 1979, Licentiate of Philosophy, 1982, Doctor of Philosophy (Finnish and Nordic History), 1995, Master of Theology, 1996, University of Helsinki
Docent, Finnish and Scandinavian History, University of Helsinki, 1996-

Head of the Department of World Cultures 2010–, University of Helsinki
Vice-dean (with responsibility for societal impact) of the Faculty of Arts 2014–15, University of Helsinki
Head, Renvall Institute (for area and cultural studies) 2004–9, University of Helsinki
University Lecturer (Nordic Studies) 2001–4, Renvall Institute
Head Archivist 1998–2001, Brages Pressarkiv
Acting amanuensis 1995–6, Renvall Institute
Project planner, NOS-H funded research network, ”Nation-building in the North and the Problem of Borders in the Arctic Periphery”, 1993–5
Assistant, Scandinavian History, Renvall Institute, 1992–3, 1996–7

Researcher, Helsingin Graafisen Klub (Helsinki Graphic Club) funded Kirjapainotaito itsenäisessä Suomessa (Book design in independent Finland) project, 1986–92
Researcher and secretary of editorial board, J.V. Snellman’s collected works, 1983–6
Researcher, Academy of Finland-funded project on history of Finnish press, led by Professor Päiviö Tommila, 1980–8

Publications, research projects and other academic activity

Photo: Mika Federley
Written by Lars-Folke Landgrén (Riitta-Ilona Hurmerinta, ed.)
Translated by John Calton

My best memories at the University of Helsinki

My best memories are shared ones from Christmas parties and birthdays and the common good feeling of events, but also the team spirit, whether it was with colleagues in the department or the faculty council or various training events. My encounters with students in different situations over the years have been rewarding. Morning coffee moments at the department also stick in my mind.

As a student I spent a lot of time at the University of Helsinki library, which is now the National Library of Finland, where I wrote my Master’s dissertation and my doctoral thesis. The academic community that I encountered at the undergraduate library was often unique and different, but also more diverse, warmer and less hierarchical than at the departments.

A special memory is of when my elder daughter completed her Master’s degree at our faculty. Her graduation ceremony was especially festive. It was the last spring graduation ceremony in 2008 so the number of graduates was huge because of the reforms. It was also festive because I was the one who actually handed out the degree certificates to the graduands and doctorands.

Another memorable moment was in 2007 when I was the head of the Renvall Institute and I accepted on behalf of our department the Maikki Friberg Award for outstanding work to promote equality at the University of Helsinki.

By Written by Lars-Folke Landgrén and Riitta-Ilona Hurmerinta (ed.). Translated by John Calton.

Lars-Folke Landgrén

Walter Lars-Folke Landgrén
Born April 18, 1951, Helsinki.

Publications, research projects and other academic activity

Photo: Mika Federley
Written by Lars-Folke Landgrén (Riitta-Ilona Hurmerinta, ed.)
Translated by John Calton