Matilda Hellman

Matilda Hellman, DSocSci, is a sociologist at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Social Sciences. As Research Director of the Centre for Research on Addiction, Control and Governance (CEACG) since 2016, she leads international projects including an ongoing ERA-NET consortium on brain-based addiction. She has held the title of Adjunct Associate Professor since 2012 and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (NAD) since 2017.

Research Focus: Her work examines how governance institutions embed ideologies around substance use, gambling, and welfare states. Key areas include brain-based addiction theories, Nordic policy comparisons, and symbolic value systems in public health. She emphasizes qualitative methodologies and systemic analysis of social control mechanisms.

• Since 2005: Research lead in 17+ international projects
• 2018–2019: Visiting scholar at Harvard's Center for Population and Development Studies
• 2018–present: Consultant for the World Health Organization

Recent Article Trends: Her 2024–2025 publications address: (1) neuroscience's influence on addiction policy, (2) ethical challenges in state gambling monopolies, (3) psychedelic use in Nordic contexts, and (4) intersections of nationalism and corporate marketing. Methodologically, she advances quality criteria for qualitative research.

Leadership Roles: President of the International Society of Addiction Journal Editors (ISAJE), Chair of the EASE Gender Policy Committee, and expert advisor to Finland's Ministry for Social Affairs. She supervises 7 doctoral students and teaches across Helsinki's Social Science Masters and Doctoral Programs.