Klaus Petersen

Klaus Petersen is a Professor at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), holding roles in the Department of Political Science, Department of History, and directing the Centre for Welfare State Research. He has held academic positions since 2001, including Professor (2007–present) and Associate/Assistant Professorships in Political and Contemporary History. His research focuses on transnational history, welfare studies, and Nordic social policy.

Education:

• PhD Student, Department of History, University of Copenhagen (1997–2000)
• Post doc. researcher, Department of History, University of Copenhagen (2000–2001)

Research Interests: Petersen’s work bridges historical analysis with interdisciplinary approaches to welfare state policies, contemporary history, and Nordic studies. He examines the evolution of social policies and their transnational dimensions, contributing to fields like political science and institutional governance.

Awards:

• 2019: Knight’s Cross of the Dannebrog Order (Queen Margrethe II)
• 2013: Svend Henning Prize
• 2002: Danish Labour History Prize

Leadership & Grants: As Director of the Centre for Welfare State Research, he oversees projects on welfare systems. His academic service includes roles such as Chair of Humanities at the Danish Institute for Advanced Studies (2019–present).