Professor Lars-Erik Malmberg receives honorary doctorate

Professor Lars-Erik Malmberg was awarded an honorary doctoral degree by the Faculty of Education and Psychology at the University of Jyväskylä on Saturday 23 May, in recognition of his contributions to educational research and his longstanding collaboration with researchers in Finland.

The University of Jyväskylä awards honorary doctorates to individuals whose work has made a significant contribution to science, society, or the University. Over many years, Professor Malmberg has worked closely with researchers at Jyväskylä and across Finland, delivering lectures and keynote presentations on advanced quantitative methods used to address complex research questions in education and psychology.

Professor Malmberg said: “It is an honor to receive this award. I’ve lived in England since 2001, and have had the privilege to continue collaborations with researchers in my country of origin. I’m happy I have been able to contribute to the success of research at the University of Jyväskylä and wider in Finland including the Universities of Helsinki, Tampere, Åbo Akademi, Turku and Ou.”

Professor Malmberg is Professor of Quantitative Methods in Education in Oxford’s Department of Education. Originally from Finland, he began his career as a primary school teacher before earning his doctorate at Åbo Akademi University. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University, he held a prestigious Research Councils UK Academic Fellowship from 2007 to 2012.

His research focuses on the application of advanced quantitative methods to educational questions, including learning processes, child development, parenting, and teacher development. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and reports, and served as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Learning and Instruction between 2018 and 2021.

The honorary doctorate recognises both Professor Malmberg’s international standing in educational research and his enduring commitment to strengthening research collaboration between Finland and the UK.