Psychology Department Hosts Research Symposium on Associative Fear Learning
On May 6, 2026, the Psychology Department of Anatolia American University hosted a research symposium titled “Associative Fear Learning: Mechanisms and Applications” at the Stavros S. Niarchos Teleconference Room.
Organized by Dr. Chalkia, the symposium brought together three internationally recognized researchers in the field of associative fear learning: Prof. Dr. Tom Beckers and Prof. Dr. Bram Vervliet from KU Leuven, Belgium, and Dr. Ann Meulders from Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Through a series of research presentations, the speakers introduced students to recent advances in the study of associative fear learning, a field that explores how fear is acquired, maintained, reduced, and generalized across different contexts. Their talks highlighted the broader relevance of this research for understanding mental and physical health, with particular attention to conditions such as anxiety disorders and chronic pain.
Topics included the mechanisms underlying fear acquisition, extinction, generalization, and avoidance, as well as the ways experimental findings can inform more effective interventions. By connecting psychological theory with current research and clinical applications, the symposium offered students a valuable opportunity to see how fundamental research can contribute to addressing real-world challenges.
The event was attended by undergraduate psychology students, including many first-year students, as well as members of the Psychology Department faculty, including Dr. Chatzidimitriou, Dr. Poppi, Ms. Skopelitou, and Ms. Sideropoulou. The strong student presence reflected the department’s commitment to introducing students early in their academic journey to contemporary research and scientific dialogue.
Following the presentations, students had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers during an interactive Q&A session, asking questions about both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of current research in the field. The exchange encouraged critical thinking and gave students a closer look at how psychological science develops through inquiry, evidence, and international collaboration.
The symposium formed part of the Psychology Department’s ongoing efforts to promote academic dialogue and expose students to advanced research in psychology. Initiatives such as this one enrich the student experience by connecting classroom learning with the work of leading researchers and by demonstrating the relevance of psychological science to important questions of health, behavior, and human experience.
