Mikael Mattlin

Mikael Mattlin is a Research Professor at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (2022–present) and holds Adjunct Professor and Senior Lecturer titles at the University of Turku (on leave of absence). His expertise spans Chinese foreign policy, global economic governance, and international relations simulations. He has held academic leadership roles including Acting Director at FIIA and Professorships at Universities of Turku and Helsinki.

Education and career highlights include:

• TIAS Collegium Researcher (2018–2020)
• Visiting scholar at Fudan University, BOFIT, and others
• Associate Research Fellow at European Research Centre on Contemporary Taiwan

Research focuses on Chinese political economy, democratization processes, and strategic competition in technology standards. Recent work addresses Sino-European relations, AI innovation ecosystems, and Taiwan Strait dynamics. His 2022 book Kiinan poliitinen järjestelmä was a Science Book of the Year finalist.

Awards include Teacher of the Year (2017/2022), EPS Jacqui Briggs Prize recognition, and educational innovation awards. He leads research projects like the FORAC initiative (2020–2023) funded by the Academy of Finland.

Grants and advisory roles include contributions to EU-China relations analysis and small-state security preparedness studies. Active in educational innovation through unique course formats recognized by University of Turku.