Dr. Selin TEKİN, faculty member of the Department of Psychology at Karabük University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, has organized a three-part international event series on “Collective Behavior in Emergencies” in collaboration with the Social Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society (BPS), where she serves as a committee member.
The first event of the series, titled “Rising Together: How Collective Action Emerges in the Face of Emergency,” was held on October 2, 2025. The distinguished speakers included Dr. Nihan Albayrak-Aydemir (Boğaziçi University), Dr. Rim Saab (University of Sussex), Prof. Lucy Easthope (University of Bath), and Prof. John Drury (University of Sussex). During the session, participants discussed the crucial role of collective support in humanitarian crises such as the tragedy in Palestine and explored how global solidarity movements can emerge in times of crisis.
Moderated by Dr. TEKİN, the discussion addressed the psychological foundations of social solidarity, the dynamics of collective action in disaster and emergency contexts, and the factors that sustain such collective engagement.
A reflection article prepared by Dr. TEKİN regarding this event has been published on the official website of the British Psychological Society. (Click here to read the reflection)
The second event in the series, titled “Relief and Resistance: Sustaining Collective Action for Structural Change,” took place on November 6, 2025. The invited speakers—Prof. Krys Kaniasty, Dr. Jannis Julien Grimm, and Dr. Maja Kutlaca discussed the conditions under which collective movements endure or decline during crises, as well as strategies to sustain motivation and engagement. The reflection piece will be prepared by Dr. Tekin during the upcoming weeks and published by the BPSSPS Newsletter.
The final event of the series, planned for December 2025, will focus on the challenges faced by individuals who support others during emergencies—such as professional or reputational risks—and explore how their efforts can be protected and strengthened.