AUK Faculty Research Receives International Acclaim with Two Prestigious Honors

AUK is proud to announce that a research paper authored by Dr. Rita W. El-Haddad, associate professor of graphic design and Dr. Stavros P. Hadjisolomou, associate professor of psychology has been recognized with two distinguished accolades, marking a major milestone for the university's academic contributions on a global scale. 
 
The research explored how individuals across different cultures respond emotionally to distant yet threatening global events. The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 2022, created a unique opportunity to examine this question through empirical research. AUK's contribution showcases the importance of incorporating diverse regional perspectives in understanding global psychological phenomena. This research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and individual differences in psychological resilience, while offering evidence-based insights for crisis intervention strategies in an increasingly interconnected world. 
 
The paper has received the International Best Paper Award from the International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology (ISSEP), a recognition that highlights the innovative and impactful nature of the research within the global academic community. 
 
In addition to this honor, the paper has also garnered significant attention from Nature Communications, one of the world’s leading scientific journals. It has been ranked as the 8th most downloaded article in the Social Science and Human Behaviour category for 2024, with an impressive 14,877 downloads. As a result, the paper has been featured in a special curated collection of top-performing research and will benefit from extended promotion across Nature’s social media platforms in the coming weeks. 
 
Nature Communications has also awarded the publication an official digital badge, which can be used in academic presentations, email communications, and social media posts to further highlight this exceptional achievement. 
 
This dual recognition not only reflects the dedication and scholarly excellence of AUK’s faculty but also reinforces the international standing of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences, and AUK as a whole. 
  
  
  

The official digital badge awarded by Nature Communications