معرفی
Dr. Toomas Gross is a Senior Lecturer in Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Social Sciences. His research focuses on religion, embodiment, and sports, with notable projects on Protestant conversions in Mexico, the role of religion in ethical self-making, and the anthropology of ultrarunning. He has supervised numerous master's theses and doctoral candidates, including work on spiritual festivals and self-transcendence. Gross has received the 'Best International Teacher of the Year' award (2021) and contributed to peer reviews across multiple journals. His current projects explore the intersection of sport, embodiment, and moral language, alongside studies on religious movements in contemporary ethical life.
Education and Academic Roles: Gross holds a title of Docent and has served as Head of Discipline (2022–present). His academic journey includes extensive fieldwork in Mexico and engagements with global sports cultures.
Research Interests: Themes include religious change in post-colonial contexts, the symbolic dimensions of alcohol consumption in Oaxaca, and the ethnography of ultra-endurance sports. His work bridges anthropology of religion, body studies, and Latin American ethnology.
Publications and Media: Over 100 scholarly outputs, including articles on Pentecostal competition in rural Mexico and the sociology of sport. He has contributed to media discussions on topics ranging from religious festivals to ultrarunning culture in Estonia.
Grants and Collaborations: Principal investigator on projects funded by the Academy of Finland (e.g., 'Religious Movements in Contemporary Ethical Life'). Collaborations span global networks in sports anthropology and religious studies.
