The research fields of cinema and theatre studies at Stockholm University have received a donation of SEK 40 million from the Anders Sandrew Foundation. A significant portion of the donation will fund doctoral positions in both disciplines.
“We are very pleased and grateful that the Anders Sandrew Foundation has chosen to make such a generous donation to the university’s aesthetic fields within cinema and theatre studies. This donation will significantly strengthen the university’s research in these areas”, says Hans Adolfsson, Vice-Chancellor of Stockholm University.
Cinema and theatre studies are interdisciplinary research fields, offering excellent opportunities for collaboration between the aesthetic disciplines. These collaborations can lead to innovative research in areas such as film and theatre music, musical theatre, costume and set design, as well as film and theatre for children and youth.
The donation is an investment in early-career researchers and will be distributed over four years, totaling SEK 40 million. The first phase will fund doctoral education for four individuals – two PhD positions in cinema studies and two in theatre studies. This initiative not only promotes new research but also helps develop vibrant and creative doctoral seminars, contributing to a dynamic research environment.
In addition, the donation will support early-career researchers through up to six fixed-term postdoctoral positions in each subject area. This addresses a significant need for newly graduated PhDs to pursue independent research projects. The donation will also enable established researchers with heavy teaching loads to temporarily reduce their teaching commitments and focus on new or in-depth research projects.
“In the challenging economic climate we are currently facing, initiatives like this for young researchers and PhD students are truly invaluable. They ensure the continued renewal of the field, something that has been difficult to achieve with internal resources alone”, says Anna Sofia Rossholm, Associate Professor in Film Studies and Deputy Head of the Department of Media Studies.
The donation will also support shared activities within the disciplines, including conference travel, research exchanges, an annual conference, and administrative support.
“In addition to the postdoctoral and doctoral positions, I especially look forward to the shorter-term research appointments, which will provide opportunities to develop or complete exciting research ideas”, says Rikard Hoogland, Associate Professor and Head of Theatre Studies.
“What’s particularly rewarding is that our collaboration with cinema studies is being strengthened – we have many overlapping research subjects, such as directors, set designers, playwrights, and actors”, adds Hoogland.
The doctoral positions will be announced in early August on Stockholm University’s website and via the Swedish Public Employment Service. They will also be listed on the NordMedia Network Vacant Positions page.
The article was orginally published in Swedish on Stockholm University’s website.
Image: Ingmarie Andersson @Stockholm University.