Dr. Irem Eker | Psychology | Excellence in Research
Lecturer at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Üniversitesi, Turkey
Dr. Irem Eker is a lecturer at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, specializing in social and political psychology, with a focus on collective narcissism. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Kent, where her dissertation explored the needs and motivations underpinning collective narcissism and in-group identification. Dr. Eker has published significant research, including articles in reputable journals and a book chapter in the Cambridge Handbook of Political Psychology. Her work examines the interplay between individual motivations and group dynamics, contributing valuable insights to understanding intragroup relations. She has received several accolades, including the Diane Houston Prize and funding from the Ministry of National Education in Turkey. Additionally, Dr. Eker actively engages in professional development through workshops and summer schools, enhancing her research methodologies. Her academic and research accomplishments position her as a promising scholar in the field of social psychology.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Irem Eker has a strong educational background in psychology, reflecting her commitment to the field. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Kent in 2021, where she investigated the needs and motivations underlying collective narcissism and in-group identification. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Eker completed her Master’s degree in Social and Applied Psychology at the same university in 2017, graduating with Distinction. Her dissertation focused on the role of defensive and secure in-group identification in shared reality and consensus. Dr. Eker also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Ankara University, where she explored the impact of traumatic life experiences on psychological health. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ankara University, providing her with a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories and practices. This diverse educational background has equipped her with the skills necessary for her research and teaching.
Professional Experience💼
Dr. Irem Eker has garnered valuable professional experience in academia, primarily as a lecturer at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University since 2021. In her role, she teaches various psychology modules, including Introduction to Psychology, Prejudice and Discrimination, Motivations and Emotions, and Introduction to Psychology II. This position allows her to engage with undergraduate students, fostering their understanding of psychological concepts and research. Dr. Eker’s teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking and application of psychological theories to real-world scenarios. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she actively participates in research projects related to her areas of expertise, particularly collective narcissism and its implications for social and political psychology. Dr. Eker’s involvement in academic conferences, workshops, and training programs further enhances her professional development and contributes to her growing reputation in the field. Her commitment to education and research positions her as a significant contributor to the academic community in psychology.
Research Interest📘
Dr. Irem Eker’s research interests primarily revolve around social and political psychology, with a particular focus on collective narcissism. Her work explores how individuals perceive their in-groups as exceptional while feeling underappreciated by others, and the motivations that drive these beliefs. She investigates the integration of collective narcissism into personal identity and the psychological needs that underpin it, aiming to understand how these factors influence intergroup dynamics and relations. Dr. Eker’s research also examines the antecedents of collective narcissism, analyzing individual motivations and needs that lead to this phenomenon. Additionally, she studies the implications of collective narcissism for intragroup relations, contributing to broader discussions on social identity and group behavior. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges theories on self and group dynamics, positioning her work as significant for understanding contemporary issues in social psychology and political behavior. Through her research, Dr. Eker aims to contribute to scholarly discourse and inform practical applications in society.
Award and Honor🏅
Dr. Irem Eker has received several notable awards and honors that recognize her academic excellence and contributions to the field of psychology. She was awarded the Diane Houston Prize in 2017 for achieving the highest mark in her Master’s program in Social and Applied Psychology at the University of Kent, highlighting her exceptional academic performance. Dr. Eker also received funding from the Ministry of National Education in Turkey from 2016 to 2021, which was granted due to her outstanding academic skills and achievements, facilitating her higher education in the UK. In 2020, she was awarded the EASP Seedcorn Grant, a competitive grant aimed at early-career researchers, to support the development of new research ideas during the EASP Summer School. These accolades reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in social psychology and her potential as a leading researcher in her field, demonstrating recognition from both academic and professional communities.
Conclusion
Dr. Irem Eker exhibits a strong profile for the Excellence in Research award, given her specialized knowledge, academic accomplishments, and contributions to the field of social and political psychology. With targeted improvements in research breadth and public engagement, she could further enhance her impact. Her current trajectory suggests a promising career, making her a suitable candidate for recognition in this category.
Publications top noted📝
- Eker, I., Cichocka, A., & Sibley, C.G.
- Title: Investigating motivations underlying collective narcissism and in-group identification
- Journal: Group Processes and Intergroup Relations
- Year: 2023
- Volume: 26
- Issue: 3
- Pages: 669–695
- Citations: 10
- Gronfeldt, B., Cislak, A., Sternisko, A., Eker, I., & Cichocka, A.
- Title: A Small Price to Pay: National Narcissism Predicts Readiness to Sacrifice In-Group Members to Defend the In-Group’s Image
- Journal: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
- Year: 2023
- Volume: 49
- Issue: 4
- Pages: 612–626
- Citations: 24