Professor Martti Nissinen (b. 1959) is a Finnish theologian and an internationally renowned scholar of the Old Testament. Nissinen, Professor of Old Testament Studies at the University of Helsinki since 2007, is one of the world’s leading scholars in his field.

Nissinen’s research has focused in particular on the literature of the ancient Near East, prophecy, the historical and cultural linkages of Old Testament texts, and the study of gender and sexuality in an ancient context. His work has significantly enhanced our understanding of how biblical texts were formed as part of the wider cultural and religious context of the ancient Near East.

Nissinen has held a number of significant national and international positions of trust: chair of the Board of the Foundation of the Finnish Institute in the Middle East (2010–2021); chair of the International Meetings Program Committee of the Society of Biblical Literature; chair of the Selection Committee of the Section of the Humanities of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters; and member of the editorial and advisory boards of several international scientific journals.

Nissinen has also supervised dozens of postgraduate students, been responsible for supervising around 115 master’s theses, and played an active role in international researcher training and scientific collaboration. He has been invited to give lectures at some of the world’s leading universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton and Johns Hopkins.

In addition to his scientific work, Nissinen has been a prominent social debater. He has given hundreds of public talks and has appeared extensively in the media on issues such as those relating to sexual and gender minorities. The research has influenced both academic debate and the wider societal understanding of the relationships between religion, culture and history.