Mattias Bäckström

Mattias Bäckström is a Professor of Cultural Heritage Management at NTNU in Trondheim, specializing in exhibition studies, heritage studies, and museology. He holds a PhD and the title of Reader in History of Ideas and Science from the University of Gothenburg, and completed postdoctoral research in Heritage and the History of Knowledge at the University of Oslo. His academic affiliations include coordination of the Museology and Museum Research group at NTNU and roles as associate editor of the Norwegian Museum Journal and alternate member of the Board of NCK Nordic Centre of Heritage Learning and Creativity.

Education highlights include a Master’s thesis in Art History with a focus on Architecture at Uppsala University, and a PhD in History of Ideas and Science at the University of Gothenburg. His research explores the history, theory, and practice of museums and heritage, emphasizing exhibition production as a research method, material culture, and the intersections of media, medicine, and museum history. Notable recent works include the 2024 monograph *The Fifth Sahlgrenska* (on medical media systems) and the 2021 reissue of *Att bygga innehåll med utställningar* (on exhibition-based research).

Professional experience spans over 30 years in museums and heritage sectors across Scandinavia, including curatorial roles at the Västernorrland County Museum. Current projects include cross-sectoral collaborations with museums like the National Museum in Oslo and the Medical History Museum in Gothenburg. He teaches courses in cultural heritage management, museology, and exhibition studies at NTNU, the University of Gothenburg, and the University of Oslo.

Research interests include the material turn in museum studies, exhibition historiography, and the role of museums in shaping historical narratives. His work bridges academic and practical domains, emphasizing collaborative projects between universities and cultural institutions.