Håkan Blomqvist, born in 1951, Stockholm, is a doctor of philosophy in history and director of the Institute of Contemporary History. He is specialised on the labour movement, socialism, racism and anti-Semitism. The development in Soviet-Union and Russia is one aspect of his interest. He has written several books and articles on the issues (see list of publication) and is an experienced lecturer on these fields and on contemporary history in general.

Starting late in life with academic career, Blomqvist has a background as a worker, journalist/editor and lecturer in labour adult education. Together with the academic tasks he is still actively involved in evening courses and education for unionists and other participants in older or newer social movements.

His research ambitions are today focused around three main areas:

Labour, racism and anti-Semitism

Social development in Russia, with focus on the children homes

The post war development of the welfare states and he "years of'68"