Mika Pajunen

Mika Pajunen is an Adjunct Professor and Academy Research Fellow in Biblical Studies at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Theology. His research focuses on Hebrew Bible reconstruction, Qumran manuscripts, and Second Temple period literature. He has held leadership roles in major projects like the 'Textual Plurality in the Dead Sea Scrolls' and 'Nordic Voices on Psalms.' Pajunen has been awarded the prestigious Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise (2014). He actively participates in international conferences, including SBL meetings, and has conducted research visits at institutions like Georg-August-Universität. His work bridges textual criticism with historical analysis, emphasizing manuscript studies and liturgical practices.

Key research themes include the textual history of Psalms, Dead Sea Scroll fragments (e.g., 4QSapiential Admonitions B, 2Q22), and ancient Jewish literary practices. He co-leads the Centre of Excellence in Changes in Sacred Texts and Traditions (CSTT), exploring canon formation and textual transmission. Over 120 publications (chapters, encyclopedia entries, articles) reflect his engagement with biblical exegesis, manuscript reconstruction, and early Jewish literature.

Professional activities include keynote lectures on topics like 'Thanksgiving as Public Proclamation' and organizing workshops on scroll re-editions. His research integrates paleography, textual criticism, and interdisciplinary methodologies, contributing significantly to understanding Second Temple period religious texts and their contexts.