Hello Martin, how has your first time at SOFI been?

– Good. I’ve worked at SU for 20 years, so it feels very familiar. And it’s not my first time at SOFI; I started here in October 2004 as a research assistant. Then, I was a PhD student for five years, and after I graduated, I was a researcher for two years. Then, I moved to the sociology department, where I have worked until now.

What distinguishes SOFI from other parts of SU?

– What sets SOFI apart is its cohesive research focus. Here, everyone shares common research interests, which not only fosters collaborations but also encourages in-depth discussions. This is in contrast to other departments where research interests are more diverse, making it a bit more challenging to find common ground.

How would you describe your research to an outsider?

– I identify general societal patterns using statistical models and quantitative data. The goal is to understand structures and connections rather than individual anecdotes. It’s about being humble before the fact that people have different starting points.

What has been the most surprising in your research so far?

– It’s often hard to be surprised because you have reasonable expectations. However, I can sometimes be amazed that there is indeed a structure that we can capture with statistical models and quantitative data. That it really is there, that everything isn’t just noise. It’s like waking up and realizing that I’m doing something meaningful.

What are you most looking forward to at SOFI?

– To have the opportunity to really focus on research. It’s a great privilege.

More about Martin Hällsten

• Personal page: Martin Hällsten
• Interview from 2023: "Research is not truth, but an ongoing conversation”