Two new professors in psychology
We are pleased to announce that the Department of Psychology now have two new professors in our staff, Sabina Čehajić-Clancy and Christine Fawcett. We asked them a couple of questions to get to know them better.
Sabina Čehajić-Clancy
On 27 February 2025, Sabina Čehajić-Clancy was promoted professor of psychology, especially social psychology, by the President of Stockholm University, Hans Adolfsson.
What is your main research focus? Do you have any interesting projects going on at the moment?
My main research focus has been to understand how to improve relations between social groups in contexts of intergroup conflict. As part of my ERC Consolidator Grant we are currently investigating how social context influences the effectiveness, processes and durability of well-established psychological intergroup interventions. Our ultimate goal is to optimize these interventions across different social contexts, thereby contributing to effective conflict prevention, resolution, and intergroup reconciliation.
Recently, we have published an important article in Nature Reviews integrating research on intergroup interventions to systematically identify ways to advance the field. We argue that understanding the role of social context (such as where people live; who they interact with; what norms are they surrounded by) is not only the crucial direction for future research but also essential for optimizing existing interventions to foster better intergroup relations.
Healing societies: The impact of social context on intergroup reconciliation (HEAL)
What are your expectations for the future now you are a professor? What will change in your daily routines for example?
My goal is to further develop research on intergroup relations in Sweden broadening the scope of psychological science to international relations and politics and – particularly in the areas of conflict resolution and peace-building. I believe that psychological science can offer evidence-based and valuable insights into effectively resolving conflicts, ending collective violence, and facilitating sustainable peace processes.
As for my daily routines, I don’t expect much to change. I will continue working as I always have, fortunate to love what I do, and I hope to pursue this work for many years to come.
Read more about Sabina Čehajić-Clancy
Christine Fawcett
On 27 February 2025, Christine Fawcett was promoted professor of psychology, especially developmental psychology, by the President of Stockholm University, Hans Adolfsson.
What is your main research focus? Do you have any interesting projects going on at the moment?
My main research focus right now is on preschool children’s social-cognitive development, and more specifically, how they think about gender and diversity. I am interested in how children develop ideas about their identity and their place in the social world and how they relate to other people who are similar to or different from themselves. By better understanding these processes, we can find ways to promote inclusion and prevent the development of prejudice.
What are your expectations for the future now you are a professor? What will change in your daily routines for example?
I don’t think too much will change for me right now, but I hope that in the near future I will be able to expand my research projects and supervise more PhD students.
Last updated: March 13, 2025
Source: Department of Psychology