Kai Mikkonen

Kai Mikkonen is a Professor of Comparative Literature at the Department of Philosophy, History and Art Studies, University of Helsinki, since August 2020. He has held multiple academic roles at the same university, including Senior Lecturer (2004–2020), Research Fellow (2003–2006), and Docent (2000–present). Mikkonen also served as a Visiting Fellow at Clare Hall College, Cambridge University (2014–2015).

• Education: PhD in Comparative Literature (University of Tampere, 1997), MA in Comparative Literature (University of Iowa, 1991).
• Supervisory Role: Supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Philosophy, Arts, and Society at the University of Helsinki.

Mikkonen’s research spans narrative theory, graphic narratives, travel literature, and literary interpretation, with a focus on French/British literature and intermediality. His recent projects include Menetelmä ja materiaalisuus (Method and Materiality, 2024–2025) and Kuvalliset tekstit ja lukijoiden silmänliikkeet (Visual Texts and Eye Movements, 2016).

Mikkonen’s publications highlight hybrid narrative forms (picturebooks, comics, metafictional works) and their impact on reading practices. His 2023 article "Between Picturebooks and Comics" explores interstitial genres, while 2024 outputs address interart rivalry, fantasy narratives, and political reinterpretations of classical texts.

Scientific Honors:
• 2023: Life member, Finnish Academy of Science and Letters.
• 2018: Life member, The Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters.
• 2015: Life member, Clare Hall College (Cambridge).

Mikkonen supervises doctoral theses and participates in international academic networks, including peer review and grant assessment. He also contributes to public discourse through media appearances on topics like literature, AI-generated audiobooks, and the Nobel Prize in Literature.