University announces key Scandinavian Studies appointment

Professor Stefan Brink, a renowned expert in Viking and early Scandinavian place-names, mythology and law, has joined the University of the Highlands and Islands Institute for Northern Studies.

Formerly the Sixth Century Chair in Scandinavian studies at the University of Aberdeen, his career has included prominent posts at the University of Cambridge and at Uppsala University, as well as visiting positions at eg Harvard, IAS Princeton, UCLA, Bergen and Aarhus.   

Professor Brink has published numerous academic books and papers, such as ‘The Viking World’ (Routledge) and ‘Viking Slavery’ (forthcoming Oxford UP), and has been involved in major research projects on Viking and medieval Scandinavian culture, society and language.  His approach has had a significant impact in this field, producing ground breaking inter-disciplinary research methods involving languages, history and archaeology.

Speaking about his appointment Professor Brink said:  

“I am delighted to be part of the Institute for Northern Studies. This world leading research and teaching centre is forward thinking and active in their exploration of the culture and heritage of Scotland and the wider Northern world.

I am eager to meet students at all levels and am looking forward to supervising new work on the Viking Age.”            

Institute Director, Professor Donna Heddle commented on attracting Professor Brink to join the team.

“We are excited to welcome an internationally recognised scholar of such calibre. His inter-disciplinary approach to research and teaching perfectly matches the ethos of the Institute for Northern Studies UHI.  Professor Brink has been very supportive of the institute over the years and it is wonderful to have him as part of our team at last.”