Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yunus Kara | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | Sinop University | Turkey

Dr. Yunus Kara is an esteemed Associate Professor with significant contributions to the field of social services. His expertise spans LGBTQ+ rights, social work intervention, and sustainable development. Having started his academic journey with a bachelor’s degree from Ankara University, he has advanced to develop impactful research and implement innovative practices in his field. Dr. Kara’s work emphasizes inclusivity, community support, and transformative social policies.

Profile

Education

Dr. Kara’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in social services, with a PhD from Ankara University focused on LGBTQ+ interventions through queer group work. He completed his master’s degree at Istanbul University, exploring university students’ attachment styles and their coping strategies. His educational journey is marked by a consistent focus on understanding societal dynamics and fostering inclusion.

Experience

Dr. Kara’s professional experience includes roles such as Research Assistant and administrative positions at Altınbaş University. His work has been instrumental in bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications, especially in supporting marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ individuals. He has also played a pivotal role in academic administration, contributing to the development of curricula and organizing events to promote social welfare education.

Research Interests

Dr. Kara’s research primarily revolves around social dominance orientation, queer aging, and sustainable education models. His studies aim to provide evidence-based insights to address social inequities. He has a particular interest in examining how societal structures impact the well-being of marginalized groups, advocating for policies and interventions that promote equality and inclusion.

Awards

Dr. Kara has been recognized for his academic excellence and social contributions. His awards reflect his dedication to advancing social services and fostering inclusivity in education and practice. He has been an advocate for using innovative approaches, such as horticultural therapy, to address complex social challenges.

Publications

“Group intervention based on horticultural therapy for older adults living in Turkey: A randomized control trial study” (2024, Educational Gerontology): Explores therapeutic interventions for elderly populations, cited in studies focusing on geriatric mental health.

“An Examination of Social Dominance Orientation of Generation Z Living in Turkey According to Different Variables” (2024, Sinop Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi): Analyzes generational perspectives on social dominance, widely referenced in generational studies.

“Queer Aging from a Life-Course Perspective” (2024, Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi): Provides insights into the aging experiences of queer individuals, contributing to studies on intersectionality and aging.

“Sustainable Education Model as Green Schools from the Perspective of School Social Work” (2024, Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet): Discusses integrating sustainability into education, informing environmental social work strategies.

“If You Can Call It Living: Focus Group Study on Trans Activists Living in Turkey” (2024, Acta Medica Europa): Explores the lived experiences of trans activists, enriching LGBTQ+ advocacy literature.

“Employment Situation of Trans People in the Context of the Southern European Welfare Regime: The Case of Turkey” (2024, Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal): Examines trans employment challenges, cited in labor studies.

“Developing the Power Equity Scale for Couple/Family Therapy Practices from a Feminist Perspective” (2024, Avrasya Sosyal ve Ekonomi Araştırmaları Dergisi): Introduces a new tool for evaluating power dynamics in therapy, shaping family therapy practices.

Conclusion

Dr. Yunus Kara’s academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing the field of social services through research, education, and advocacy. His work has significantly contributed to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Through his research and practice, Dr. Kara continues to inspire positive change, promoting equity and inclusivity in both academic and societal contexts.

Damodar Suar - Social Sciences - Best Researcher Award

KIIT University Bhubaneswar - India

Professional Profiles

ORCID

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Damodar Suar's academic journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep-rooted passion for psychology. Born on January 14, 1954, he embarked on his academic career at Utkal University, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology in 1976, securing first class honors with distinction. He continued his studies at Utkal University, earning a Master of Arts in Psychology in 1978 with first-class marks of 61.7%. His pursuit of higher education culminated with a Ph.D. in Social Science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in 1990. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his distinguished career in social and organizational psychology.

Professional Endeavors

Professor Damodar Suar currently holds a prominent position at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where he serves as the Chairperson of Social Science Research. His official address is located at Campus 4, Chintan Building, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751024. Additionally, he can be contacted through his email addresses damodar.suar@kiit.ac.in or ds@hss.iitkgp.ac.in, and his cell phone numbers 9474403605 or 8617584554. His residential address is Plot No. 299/2667, 728/2666, Sub-plot No.1800, Mehar Palli, Oscar City, Jharpada, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751006. His permanent address is in Inchol, Basantia, Nandipada, Keonjhar, Odisha-758083.

Contributions and Research Focus On Social Sciences

Professor Suar's research interests lie in social and organizational psychology. His work has significantly contributed to our understanding of human behavior in organizational settings. He has a robust portfolio of teaching subjects, including General Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Basic Business Statistics Lab, Compensation Management, Human Behavior and Management, Individual and Group Dynamics, Leadership, Psychological Testing and Measurement, Research Methodology, Science of Happiness, Happiness at Work, and Research and Publication Ethics. His dedication to these subjects has enriched the academic environment and provided invaluable insights to his students.

Accolades and Recognition In Social Sciences

Throughout his illustrious career, Damodar Suar has been an active member of several prestigious professional societies. He is an International Affiliate of the American Psychological Association (No. 33000235), a member of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) in India, a Life Member of the Indian Society for Training & Development, and a Life Member of the Indian Science Congress Association. These memberships reflect his standing in the academic community and his commitment to advancing the field of psychology.

Impact and Influence

Professor Suar's impact extends beyond the classroom and into the broader field of psychology. He has published extensively, with a remarkable 145 peer-reviewed articles to his name. His scholarly contributions also include 22 chapters in edited books and conference proceedings, one of which is a chapter in an NCERT book. Additionally, he has authored and co-edited four books. His research has been widely recognized and cited, underscoring his influence on both national and international levels.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Social Sciences

As a scholar and educator, Damodar Suar has left an indelible mark on the field of social and organizational psychology. His rigorous research, extensive publications, and dedication to teaching have inspired many students and colleagues. Additionally, his Scopus and Web of Science Author ID is 6507974724, and his HMD ID is HMD-6030-2023.

Looking ahead, Professor Suar is poised to continue his significant contributions to the field. His ongoing research and commitment to education promise to yield further insights into social and organizational psychology. His work on happiness at work and the science of happiness is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced, stress-laden work environments, offering strategies for enhancing employee well-being and productivity.

In summary, Professor Damodar Suar's career is a testament to his dedication to the field of psychology. His academic achievements, professional endeavors, and extensive research have significantly advanced our understanding of human behavior in organizational settings. As he continues to influence and inspire future generations of psychologists, his legacy is firmly established as a cornerstone of social and organizational psychology.

Notable Publications

Natural hazards, trauma, and its amelioration: Lessons learned from India 2024

What is the good life and how do individuals attain it? Meaning of happiness, its assessment, and pathways 2024

Public Leadership during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Can Leadership Theories Explain It? 2023

Enablers of workforce agility, firm performance, and corporate reputation 2023