Unn Målfrid Høgseth Rolandsen

Unn Målfrid Høgseth Rolandsen is the Director of Research at MF University College of Theology, Religion and Society, overseeing research funding applications, project management for major initiatives like NFR and ERC grants, and maintaining research-related information quality. She participates in the rector’s management group and serves as secretary to the research committee. Her work bridges administrative leadership with scholarly expertise.

Her research focuses on East Asian cultural studies, social history, and anthropology, particularly exploring Chinese society through themes like rural community dynamics, urban leisure politics, and youth volunteerism. She has authored influential works on sent-down cadres in rural China and the sociopolitical dimensions of leisure in Chinese cities.

• Key areas of study: East Asian languages/cultures, social history, Chinese language.
• Notable publications: Works on rural community building (2012), urban leisure power dynamics (2011), and youth movements (2010/2008).

Her recent publications (2021-2024) address interfaith dialogues, master's research trends, and the intersection of religion and sociology in secular contexts. She received the 2005 Asia Network Award for her master’s thesis.