Zhen Im

Zhen Im is a postdoctoral researcher at LUT School of Engineering Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland. He is also affiliated with the Department of International Economics, Government and Business at Copenhagen Business School and is completing his PhD at the University of Helsinki. His research centers on citizens’ political responses to structural transformations such as technological change and the green transition, with a focus on fairness, welfare state legitimacy, and social policy preferences.

• PhD in Sociology, University of Helsinki (2017–present)
• MA in Comparative Political Sociology, Sciences Po Paris (2014–2016)
• BA in Social Sciences, Sciences Po Le Havre (2011–2014)

His research interests lie at the intersection of political sociology, public opinion, and socio-economic change. He investigates how automation, digitalization, and green transitions affect citizen attitudes toward redistribution, welfare policies, and political parties—especially the radical right. A key focus is the role of fairness perceptions and how social and labor market policies moderate public responses to economic disruption.

The most recent 15 publications reveal a strong thematic consistency in comparative European politics, social policy, and political behavior. His work spans journals such as Electoral Studies, Journal of European Social Policy, and Social Policy & Administration, with recurring keywords including green transition, automation, welfare chauvinism, labor market training, and EU social policy. The subfields reflect deep engagement with institutional change, public attitudes, and policy design in advanced democracies.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• No formal awards listed in the provided text.

Zhen Im has been actively involved in peer review for over 25 journals, including British Journal of Political Science, Comparative Political Studies, and European Journal of Political Research, indicating strong scholarly engagement. He has received doctoral funding from the Doctoral School of Humanities & Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki (2017–2020). While formal student advising is not explicitly detailed, he has co-authored with early-career researchers and PhD candidates. He is affiliated with the REMPEAT project at LUT and contributes to broader EU-focused social policy research networks.

Labs and Research Teams:

• REMPEAT Project, LUT School of Engineering Sciences
• EuSocialCit Research Network
• Centre d’études européennes de Sciences Po (past affiliation)
• Laboratoire interdisciplinaire d'évaluation des politiques publiques (LIEPP), Sciences Po Paris (past role)