Carl Bennet invests heavily in postdocs in the humanities at Halmstad University

The research that the postdocs are engaged in will contribute to the utilisation of the humanities in a way that strengthens Halmstad University’s profile and will take place in close collaboration with other actors in society.

“The postdoctoral positions here at the University aim to open up new career paths for humanities graduates in academia, in business and in the public sector. This is in line with the value of humanities knowledge expressed by Carl Bennet”, says Helen Fuchs, acting Dean of the School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, where the postdocs will be placed.

The need for the humanities

Carl Bennet is a well-known business leader who has supported and guided Halmstad University in several important phases. Last year, he was appointed honorary doctor at the University. Daniel Möller is Professor of Comparative Literature at Halmstad University. He believes that society needs humanities knowledge and that the humanities therefore need to reach out to society:

“Carl Bennet is a modern business leader who sees society’s and the individual’s need for humanistic education and research. It is especially important to have these kinds of voices in our opinion-centric time, where few people outside academia and its humanities disciplines actively work for the cause of the humanities”, says Daniel Möller.

Integrating humanistic perspectives in, for example, technological development can provide deeper and more sustainable solutions to the many complex problems that people and society face, says Daniel Möller.

“Historical, philosophical and linguistic studies develop the ability to think critically, which is vital in a world characterised by growing AI influence and disinformation. The humanities help us interpret and understand our place in history. By using their particular perspectives on human needs, humanities graduates can contribute in areas where they are not usually included, such as healthcare, business management and technological innovation”, says Daniel Möller.

Research, collaboration, education

The positions will be linked to the research programme Transformation, Innovation and Norm Efficiency (TRAINS) where the humanities are included and where researchers from three of the University’s four Schools are active.

Research and collaboration are the focus of the postdoc positions, but teaching will also be an important part. This will primarily take place in the programmes Strategic Swedish – Digital Communication, Forensics and Marketing as well as Criminology and Culture as well as in the course Creative Writing.

“As an honorary doctor, Carl Bennet’s commitment to the humanities and to the University is a great asset. He is also a great asset as an advisor in the postdoctoral initiative”, says Helen Fuchs.

Susanna Öhman, Vice-Chancellor at Halmstad University, says that it is extremely gratifying that Carl Bennet is making this investment:

“Both the University’s profile and the humanities’ place in society will be strengthened by this”, she says.

Text: Kristina Rörström

Photo: Joachim Brink

More information

Carl Bennet AB is funding the postdocs with SEK 5 million. Halmstad University is co-financing with approximately SEK 4.5 million.

A postdoc is a fixed-term employment for a person who recently defended their doctoral thesis. The three positions run for 2.5 years each and are planned for a five-year period. The announcement of the positions will take place early in the spring of 2025.