SoDoc 2026 in Landau- Social Psychology at the workshop for doctoral researchers

After several members of the Department of Social Psychology were already involved in organizing SoDoc 2024 in Hagen, the Chair once again participated in this year’s SoDoc. The four-day workshop for early-career researchers in social psychology took place at RPTU in Landau. SoDoc is supported by the Social Psychology Division of the German Psychological Society (DGPs) and aims to provide doctoral researchers in social psychology with opportunities for professional development and academic exchange.

In small-group sessions, around 30 doctoral researchers had the opportunity to present their research projects and receive targeted feedback on their work. The sessions were led by experienced academics from Germany and Italy, including Prof. Dr. Anna Baumert (University of Wuppertal), Prof. Dr. Jan Häusser (Justus Liebig University Giessen), Prof. Dr. Roland Imhoff (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz), and Prof. Dr. Paolo Riva (University of Milano-Bicocca).

The Department of Social Psychology at FernUniversität in Hagen was also represented by Sören Michallek, who presented his research on the social psychological mechanisms at play in the so-called manosphere.

The presentations by the doctoral researchers were complemented by a varied program. This included several keynote talks on current topics in social psychological research, including conspiracy theories and the influence of social support on health. In addition, a workshop on science communication provided participants with the opportunity to explore how scientific findings can be communicated in an accessible and effective way.

Reflecting on his experience, Sören Michallek said: “Having the opportunity to present my work in a focused and supportive setting was very valuable. It allowed me to receive detailed feedback and gain new ideas for my research.”