From Mid Sweden University to Max Planck – and back

The strong interest in what psychological factors drive people to support violence led Rasmus Möring to a doctoral position at the prestigious Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg. He is currently based there.

"Yes, I am trying to delve into the motives and circumstances that lead some people to engage in violent extremism and political violence. The subject is huge and research is being done on this from very different angles. I come from a psychological perspective, so I may have a slightly different point of view than political scientists", says Rasmus.

A couple of years ago he spent an exchange semester at Mid Sweden University in Sundsvall and has since kept in touch with his teacher Evangelia Petridou. Now he has been invited to return for a guest lecture for students in Östersund.

Rasmus visiting RCR Lab at campus Östersund. Photo: Ronney Wickzell, Mid Sweden University.

"Rasmus was one of the students in Scandinavian politics two years ago, and I think he is an example of why there is hope for the future. He is brilliant at what he does and an excellent example of why internationalization is important. The professional relationship between teachers and students can continue even after the class is over, which can lead to new contacts and collaborations, also internationally", says Evangelia Petridou, associate professor of political science at the Risk and Crisis Research Centre, RCR.

Rasmus also has a lot to say about the opportunities that can be opened up as an exchange student and he hopes to inspire others to dare to do the same.

"I learned a lot about disciplines other than psychology, so it really broadened my horizons. I also remember that it was very difficult to get Swedes to speak English, but it was always a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed my time there. I keep in touch with several of the people I met there."

You are here as an alumnus today. How important is it to come back and meet students?

"Yes, I think this is super important for me personally, but I also know that I always benefited from alumni who came back to share their knowledge during my student years. That is why it feels important and fun that I can give back a little now", says Rasmus.

"Rasmus’ visit will also be a way to show that it pays to invest in your education. Our joint seminar on perspectives on violent extremism can show our students a concrete connection between political psychology and policy sciences and to show how interdisciplinary storytelling works", says Evangelia Petridou. 

Do you think Rasmus will come back?

"It would be wonderful if we could continue collaborating with him within RCR, but I also think that there are other research areas at Mid Sweden University that could also benefit from Rasmus’ research. So, yes, I hope he will come back", she concludes.