Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, who was deemed worthy of the International Society of Political Psychology's (ISPP) 2026 Nevitt Sanford Award, received her award at the annual congress held in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
Prof. Kaynak stated after receiving the award, "This award, given to one person every year since 1979, is one of the most proud moments in my academic career."
Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak received the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP) 2026 Nevitt Sanford Award, considered one of the world's most prestigious scientific awards in the field of political psychology, at the ISPP Annual Congress held in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
Established in 1978 and considered one of the world's most important organizations studying the psychological foundations of political behavior, the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP) honors academics who make lasting and transformative contributions to the field with the Nevitt Sanford Award.
The award, given to only one person each year since 1979, had previously been presented to leading figures in the field such as Ralf Dahrendorf, Vamık D. Volkan, Ole Holsti, Jerrold Post, Robert Jervis, Philip E. Tetlock, and Margaret G. Hermann.
Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak made the following statements after receiving the award:
"I received my 2026 Nevitt Sanford award, presented by the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP), at the annual congress held in Newcastle. This award, given to one person every year since 1979, is one of the most proud moments in my academic career. The field of political psychology is attracting increasing interest and developing. The discipline of psychology provides a new perspective in analyses as the most powerful factor guiding mass dynamics in political processes. I am delighted if I have made a small contribution to pave the way for young people interested in the field. I thank you in advance for your kind wishes."
Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak currently serves as the director of the Üsküdar University Center for Political Psychology and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Prof. Kaynak continued her academic studies in Conflict Resolution as a senior member of the Oxford University CRIC Centre between 2015 and 2025.
Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak currently continues her international work within the IDI (International Dialogue Initiative), an international, multidisciplinary group consisting of psychoanalysts, academics, diplomats, and other professionals who bring a psychological perspective to the study and amelioration of societal conflict. Prof. Kaynak is also a member of the TÜBA International Relations Working Group and the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS).
