Oral history and individual recollections

The Finnish Literature Society (SKS) and the Society of Swedish Literature in Finland (SLS) are gathering personal narratives and recollections by scientists and researchers that are or have been active in Finland. The collection is part of a larger project on the history of science in Finland, organised in collaboration with the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies, the National Archives of Finland, and the Finnish Historical Society.

The purpose of the oral historical element of this project is to collect information about the development of practices across scientific disciplines in Finland. We are interested in hearing about the respondents’ own descriptions, definitions and demarcations of their respective fields of expertise. “Narrating by writing” is an excellent way of accessing information about processes to which the respondents themselves have contributed. Documented experiences by researchers are valuable sources for historical studies of science and knowledge.

The written submissions may be freely formulated. In addition to historical facts and events, we ask the respondents to consider key developments and transformations in their disciplines.

Read more:

In English: Oral history and individual recollections (SKS)

Svenska litteratursällskapet i Finland: Vetenskapens historia i Finland – insamling av traditioner och berättelser 

Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seura: Itsenäisen Suomen tieteen historia