Viktor Aldrin

M.A. (2004), M.Sc. (2012), D.Th. (2010), Excellent Teaching Practitioner ETP (2015), Docent (Associate professor/Dr. theol. habil.) in Practical Theology/Religious Education (2018), and in during June-July 2024 visiting Junior Professor in Practical Theology with Religious Education at Münster University, Germany.

Since of 2016, am I Senior Lecturer in Religious Education at the University of Borås. In 2018 I was appointed Associate Professor in Practical Theology with Religious Education. Together with Associate Prof. Dr. Ola Svensson, I lead the research group SONOMA – the Research Group for Subject Matter Education in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, established in 2021. In 2024 I initialised the international Collaborative Network for Climate Change in Religious Education (CORE).

In my research, I work within the field(s) of Practical Theology and Religious Education – focusing on climate change issues in Religious Education, minority perspectives in religion, religious educational environments and professional ethics of education. Methodologically, I hold a pragmatic stance, using Multi Methods Research (MMR) where different methods are joined to bring a broader understanding. Such qualitative methods used by me are text analysis, visual analysis, policy analysis, action research and practice research, whereas quantitative methods are surveys and other statistics.

Through the years, I am often asked for as peer reviewer of pedagogical merits, systematic educational reviews and senior lecture positions. To that, I frequently host Swedish media as expert on religion in society and education.

In the year 2010, I defended my Doctoral Thesis at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden and received my doctorate in Theology. Before my time at the University of Borås, I have worked at the University of Gothenburg, the University of Halmstad and as a certified school teacher at Upper Secondary Schools in Halmstad, Lund and Helsingborg. I have at multiple periods of time worked abroad as visiting scholar: Münster University, Germany (2024), Frankfurt University, Germany (2018), Cambridge University, The United Kingdom (2008), and Helsinki University, Finland (2007).

Active Research Networks

• Swedish Forum for Research in Religious Education.
• International Seminar of Religious Education and Values (ISREV).
• International Academy of Practical Theology (IAPT).
• European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI) – SIG 19 Religions and Worldviews in Education.
• Swedish Association of the Sociology of Religion.

Assignments

Current assignments 

• Board member of Swedish Forum for Research in Religious Education
• Research leader for SONOMA – Subject Matter Education in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (2021–).  My assistant leader colleague is Associate Prof. Dr. Ola Svensson.
• Chair of the Research Ethics Board of University of Borås, Sweden (2022–).
• Member of the book review board for International Journal of Practical Theology (IJPT), (2022–).
• Member of the Associate Professor and Full Professor Seminar of Educational Work at the University of Borås (2018–).

Previous assignments

• Chair of the Board of Pedagogical Education Programmes, University of Borås (2022–2024)
• Research leader for the CHILD-reminary, University of Borås (2019–2020). 2019 as joint leader with Prof. Dr. Disa Bergnehr, 2020 on my own.
• External reviewer of the University College of Stockholm’s Programme for Ministerial training (2021).
• Member of the University Board of Borås (2017–2020).
• External reviewer of the Church of Sweden’s Educational Institute and its training in Pastoral Care (2015) 
• Technical Assistant Editor for The Annuals of Church History in Sweden (2004–2009)

Visiting Fellow

• Visiting Junior Professor in Practical Theology and Religious Education, Münster University, Faculty of Protestant Theology (June-July 2024)
• Visiting Scholar in Practical Theology and Religious Education, Goethe University Frankfurt, Faculty of Protestant Theology (May-June 2018)
• Visiting Scholar in Practical Theology, Lund University, Centre for Theology and Religious Studies (2005–2016)
• Visiting PhD Candidate in The History of Christianity, Cambridge University, Faculty of Divinity (2008)
• Visiting PhD Candidate in Practical Theology, The University of Helsinki, Faculty of Theology and the Finnish Literary Society (2007)

Researcher's publications in DiVA (Digitala Vetenskapliga Arkivet)

Doctoral thesis title

Prayer in Peasant Communities: A Contrast of Ideals and Practices