معرفی
Maria Österlund is an Associate Professor in the Department of Culture, History and Philosophy at Åbo Akademi University, Faculty of Humanities, Psychology and Theology. She is based in Finland and conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of children's literature, girlhood studies, fat studies, and visual literacy. Her work is deeply embedded in Nordic literary traditions, particularly Finland-Swedish literature.
Her research interests include:
- Girlhood and female adolescence in literature
- Fat studies and body representation in young adult novels
- Silence and narrative voice in children’s books
- Trauma, evacuation, and historical memory in picturebooks
- Multilingualism in early childhood literature
- Word art as both artistic expression and pedagogical tool
Her recent publications reveal a strong thematic continuity, focusing on identity, embodiment, and literary form. She frequently collaborates with scholars such as Maria Lassén-Seger and contributes to edited volumes and critical anthologies. Her work bridges academic research and public discourse, often engaging with contemporary debates on children’s literature and education.
She has received notable scientific awards, including:
- Astrid Lindgren Foundation’s Solkatten research grant (2001)
- Young & Promising Scholar award from the International Research Society for Children’s Literature (1999)
- Hagforsmedaljen (2015)
- Handledarepriset (2016)
- Kanslers guldkantsstipendium (2019)
Maria Österlund is actively involved in advising and academic service, including doctoral thesis evaluations, peer review, editorial work, and organizing research networks and workshops. She is a principal researcher in two major projects: 'Swedish children’s literature research and criticism in Finland' and 'Scientific anthology on word art as an art form and pedagogy in Swedish in Finland'. These projects emphasize collaboration, critical analysis, and educational innovation. She also leads the Ordkonstnätverket (Word Art Network) at Åbo Akademi, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue around literary arts.
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