معرفی
Otso Kortekangas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Culture, History and Philosophy at the Faculty of Humanities, Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Finland. He is also a Docent in Nordic Studies at the University of Helsinki and a member of the Young Academy of Finland. His research focuses on environmental history, history of education, and Arctic and Sámi history, with a strong emphasis on historical justice, educational narratives, and truth and reconciliation processes in the Nordic region.
- PhD in History, Stockholm University, 2018
- MTheol in Theological Ethics and Philosophy of Religion, Åbo Akademi University, 2023
- MA in Nordic History, Åbo Akademi University, 2013
- MA in Global History and International Relations, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2012
His research interests include environmental history, Sámi and indigenous education, historical justice, climate ethics, and Nordic colonialism. He explores how educational systems have shaped perceptions of nature and indigenous peoples, particularly through textbooks and curricula. His work critically examines narratives of assimilation, citizenship, and reconciliation in Nordic contexts.
The most recent articles reflect a strong trend in analyzing forest symbolism in Nordic education, Sámi educational history, truth commissions, and climate ethics. His publications span academic journals, public commentary, and book reviews, indicating a commitment to both scholarly rigor and public engagement. He frequently addresses issues of historical responsibility, indigenous rights, and environmental sustainability.
His scientific recognition includes the Great Scholarship from the Waldemar von Frenckell Foundation in 2022. He contributes to public discourse through media appearances and op-eds on climate, history, and indigenous issues.
Kortekangas teaches and supervises students at the BA and MA levels. He leads the Kone Foundation-funded project MaMeFo (2024–2028) on forest meanings in comprehensive education and previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the TRiNC project on truth and reconciliation. His earlier research positions include a postdoc at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and a visiting scholar role at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge.
He is affiliated with multiple research networks and contributes to academic discourse through editorial work, such as the special issue of Legatio on early modern diplomacy. His interdisciplinary approach combines history, education, ethics, and indigenous studies to address contemporary societal challenges.
