About
Per Wisselgren is a Senior Lecturer in History of Science and Ideas and Associate Professor (Docent) of Sociology at Uppsala University, where he also serves as Deputy Head of the Department. He joined Uppsala in 2021 after previous appointments at Umeå University (2006–2021). His academic background includes a PhD in History of Science and Ideas from Umeå University (2000) and postdoctoral research at the Swedish Institute for Studies in Education and Research (2001–2003).
Research Focus: Wisselgren specializes in the history of social sciences, examining the interplay between knowledge production, policy, and international frameworks. His current projects include:
- A study on UNESCO's role in shaping Cold War social science (funded by Riksbankens Jubileumsfond)
- The emergence of public research councils in Sweden (funded by the Swedish Research Council). His work frequently intersects with gender studies, sociology of knowledge, and science policy.
Publication Trends: His 15 most recent journal articles (2015–2025) reveal a consistent focus on:
- The history of sociology and social research institutions
- Transnational knowledge networks (especially UNESCO)
- Gender dynamics in academic production
- Swedish and Nordic intellectual history. Methodologically, he employs historical sociology and boundary-work theory.
Awards & Recognition:
- Young Researcher’s Award, Umeå University (2010–2012)
- Recognised University Teacher (2018)
- Fellowships at University of Sussex, Max-Planck-Institut für Wissenschaftsgeschichte, University of Toronto, and others.
Leadership & Collaboration: He has led multiple Swedish Research Council projects and co-edited volumes like Social Science in Context (2013) and History of Participatory Media (2011). He coordinates courses in Science and Technology Studies and mentors emerging scholars.
