Jesper Aagaard Petersen

Jesper Aagaard Petersen is the Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences at NTNU until 2025, overseeing research strategy, doctoral programs, and faculty research committees. His academic background is in religious studies, with a focus on religious didactics, modern Satanism, and alternative religions. He leads the KONSPISK research group on conspiracy thinking in education and society.

Professionally, he holds an associate professorship in Religious Studies Education and has authored or co-authored over 50 publications, including books like The Invention of Satanism and research on secularization, conspiracy theories, and academic religious methodology. His work bridges religious studies with sociology, cultural theory, and educational policy.

Petersen’s research agenda emphasizes boundary-breaking topics such as science as a secular religion, secularity studies, and the intersection of religion and popular culture. He actively participates in international academic networks, presenting at conferences on topics like esotericism, counterculture, and transgressive art.

As Vice Dean, he collaborates with NTNU’s administration to advance research excellence and internationalization, while maintaining a robust publication record in peer-reviewed journals and academic anthologies.