The justifications for the honorary doctorate from the University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Theology included Saarinen’s long-term efforts in Luther research as well as his work for the International Congress for Luther Research. He has cooperated closely with theologians at the University of Copenhagen for more than 30 years.
Risto Saarinen has served as professor of ecumenics at the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Theology since 2001. He completed his doctorate in theology in 1988 and in philosophy in 1994. Saarinen received a doctoral dissertation award from the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters in 1990.
He is currently the head of the Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence: Reason and Religious Recognition.
Saarinen’s research interests include understanding the human mind through philosophy and theology, as well as multiculturalism and religious dialogue.
His latest book, Oppi luottamuksesta, was published in Finnish in 2017, and the book Recognition and Religion on the research themes of the Centre of Excellence, in 2016.
In addition to extensive research and publishing work, Saarinen has served as an expert advisor in several ecumenical negotiations.
We wish to extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Saarinen!
Further information: University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Theology