“An assignment that feels important for the times in which we live”
Jenny Andersson, Professor of the History of Science and Ideas, has been elected as a working member of the Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
Jenny Andersson, Professor of the History of Science and Ideas, has been elected as a new working member of the Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities.
How does it feel to be elected to the Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities?
“Of course it’s a great honour, because it’s a testament to my visibility in the scholarly community and to the research I have done both on my own and together with colleagues over many years. It is also an assignment that feels important for the times in which we live, as I believe that the scientific academies have an important role to play in defending science and a scientific approach, as well as strengthening our self-confidence and our role in society.”
Andersson’s research focuses primarily on the development of social democratic ideas, notions of post-industrialism, welfare capitalism and neoliberalism. In her research, she has demonstrated the importance of large idea complexes for the material development of society.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Letters was founded by Queen Louisa Ulrika on 20 March 1753, but nowadays the academy is known as the Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities.
HM The King is the patron of the Academy, while HM The Queen and HRH The Crown Princess are first honorary members.
The primary purpose of the Academy is to promote and fund research in the humanities and social sciences and the conservation of cultural heritage.
What will being a member entail for you?
“I don’t really know! Being a working member means participating in the Academy’s work on scholarships and grants, not least to younger researchers, as well as on the cultural historical properties managed by the Academy. The most important part of the assignment is to engage in a learned dialogue at the Academy.
“The members of the Academy belong to the humanities, religious studies, law and social sciences. Being elected to the Academy is a recognition of outstanding and significant contributions to research in the humanities and social sciences, as well as to cultural heritage conservation.”
What will you personally be able to contribute to the work of the Academy?
“I will bring a fresh take on the subject of the history of ideas, through an interdisciplinary perspective where the history of ideas interacts with the other historical sciences as well as with social science perspectives on economics, politics and power. I’m interested in the history of contemporary ideologies and how to scientifically study phenomena such as neoliberalism, populism and anti-democratic ideas. I believe that this assignment will fit in well with my upcoming research on the role of visions of the future in the contemporary political landscape and the changing concept of the future in an apocalyptic age.”
Andersson will hold her inaugural lecture for admission to the Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities on 7 January 2025.
Anders Berndt