Richard Ek, Professor of Human Geography

Rickard Ek was born and raised in Malmö, where he chose the social science programme for his upper secondary school studies. He began studying at Lund University in 1987, but soon switched from administration to social geography, which would eventually lead to doctoral studies at the Department of Human Geography at Lund University. Richard Ek successfully completed his doctoral studies with the thesis “Öresundsregion – bli till! De geografiska visionernas diskursiva rytm.” After competing his doctoral studies, he worked at the Department of Service Management and Service Studies at the Lund University for 17 years. As of 2020, he is employed at Karlstad University.

Richard Ek’s research is about how power over geographical areas are formulated, implemented and consolidated. Through various discursive practices, different geographical areas, such as regions, are manifested as necessary, logical and “natural” by different political and economic actors and interests.

"Put more precisely, my research can be divided into three categories. The first category puts geographical constructions like places, cities and regions at the centre of critical review. The second category focuses on how relationships between different ideal types of people become a power tool in regional development and planning. The third category is more philosophical and more specifically about developing a spatial theoretical understanding that makes it possible to zoom in on different empirical phenomena using an efficient conceptual apparatus. Using a combination of these three categories, it is possible to critically study different phenomena and lines of development in society: overtourism, regional development, urban segregation, etc. "

Rickard Ek’s current project is about exploring the possibilities of establishing a nature trail that is geographically in line with the forced relocation of Sami families through Sweden in the early 20th century.

"Such a nature trail could create opportunities for the Saami nation to tell their version of history, create opportunities for developed tourism in Sápmi and act as a counterweight to the increased industrialisation (grey as well as green) in northern Sweden, as well as providing a greater selection of contemplative, slow and safe tourism post-Covid. The trail could also help spread the deeper understanding of nature traditionally held by the Saami culture, a view of nature that also offers an understanding of what a more sustainable society might look like."

Theories and concepts from primarily cultural studies, political philosophy, organisational theory and sociology of science can be found in Richard Ek’s research, in addition to geographical theory and concept formation. He sees northern Sweden as a future geographical study area.

"For example, the relocation of Kiruna is an event and process that has received far too little research attention, as has the green (new) colonisation of northern Sweden."

In his spare time, Richard Ek likes to travel – he loves to wander around cities, study everyday street life off the beaten track and find himself in the urban atmosphere that emerges when different types of people come together in the same space. Melbourne, New Orleans and Los Angeles are among his favourite cities with their rich selection of cafés, restaurants and pubs.