Mimi Petersen, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University College Copenhagen, Denmark. Her research, teaching, and activist interests focus on children’s rights and the interplay between participation, citizenship, and empowerment.

She has obtained in-depth practice and research experience, knowledge, and skills from practicing social work with children and young people in various country settings. She is an experienced researcher, teacher, supervisor, and project manager.

Petersen is a member of the board of the Nordic Association against Child Abuse and Neglect and the research network entitled Child Rights Institute at Lund University in Sweden. She is the founder of the Nordic Network for Children’s Right to Participation in Social and Educational Work - Practice, Research, and Development.

Petersen has published several journal articles and books on children and young people’s participation in social work and research in Nordic countries. Her most recent books are one in Danish, with Ida Kornerup, entitled "Children who participate in professional practice: Openings, possibilities, and rights" (Hans Reitzel, 2021). The other is in English with Kati Križ titled "Children and young people’s participation in child protection: International research and practice approaches" (Oxford University Press USA, 2023).