Markku Kuisma was appointed professor of Finnish and Nordic History at the University of Helsinki in 2001 on the eve of his fiftieth birthday. Prior to that he had worked in temporary jobs in academia and as an entrepreneur, teacher and publicist.

Markku Kuisma’s academic research has focused on the origins of power and business elites, as well as the role of long-term social changes. His main interest deals with the core areas of modern capitalism: the mining, forestry and oil industries, and commercial banking institutions.

An interesting object of study for the Capitalism, State & Society research group is the relationship between capitalism and society in Europe. One of Markku Kuisma’s projects is a historical survey of the Finnish daily, Päivälehti-Helsingin Sanomat, 1889–2019.

My best memories are from the time of my first my first project dealing with the country’s elite. It was both exciting and energising to spend time together learning, developing and finding real joy and thrill, travelling around the world together and reaping the rewards.

Markku Kuisma has written accessible books on the boundaries between politics and economics. He has had a part in public debate through columns, as a commentator and as a book reviewer. Kuisma has also brought his expertise to bear on several historical committees.