Klas Grinell

Klas Grinell is an associate professor in the History of Ideas at the University of Gothenburg and a curator at the National Museums of World Culture in Sweden, holding a dual half-time academic and curatorial role. He is a key coordinator in the Globalizing Heritage research cluster, focusing on Religion and Heritage, and leads a Swedish Research Council-funded project on Museological Framings of Islam in Europe. He is also affiliated with the Turkish Tribunal as an independent observer and contributes to public discourse on Islam, heritage, and cultural policy.

• University: University of Gothenburg
• Department: Department of History of Ideas
• Curatorial Role: National Museums of World Culture, Gothenburg
• Academic Rank: Associate Professor
• Part-Time Status: Yes (half-time)

Grinell's research centers on Islamic philosophy, critical heritage studies, religion, museology, and identity politics. His work explores the intersections of religion and cultural heritage, particularly the representation of Islam in European museums and public discourse. He has authored influential books such as The History of Islamic Philosophy (2020), The Imam, the Coup, and the Servants (2016), and Human Rights Under Attack: Turkey and the Autocracy (2023). His recent publications and essays delve into Quranic interpretation, progressive Islamic movements, and the socio-political dynamics of Islam in Germany and Europe.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong thematic focus on Islamic intellectual history, religious reform, museology, and contemporary political Islam. Articles analyze the heritagization of religion, the role of museums in identity formation, and the challenges of translating sacred texts. Grinell frequently engages with debates on secularism, blasphemy, and integration in Europe, offering nuanced perspectives on Islam beyond essentialist narratives.

• Scientific and Professional Affiliations:
  • Board Member, Cultural Heritage without Borders Sweden
  • Secretary, Nordic Gülen Institute
  • Web Editorial Board Member, Museum Ethnographers Group (UK)
  • Official Independent Observer, Turkish Tribunal

Grinell is an active public intellectual, contributing to Exhibition Criticism, UE Forum, and major Swedish media. He has not been mentioned as supervising students in the provided texts, nor has he received listed scientific awards. His work bridges academic research and public engagement, emphasizing dialogue, critical heritage, and the evolving understanding of Islam in the modern world.