I. (Islam) Borinca, PhD

My work focuses on the dynamics of conflict—ranging from direct, armed conflicts to structural and prejudice-based conflicts—and their impact on social relations between groups and individuals. I explore how explicit, conscious factors shape the ways people think, feel, and behave toward others based on group membership. My research investigates mechanisms such as apologies, meta-humanization, intergroup contact, and helping behaviors that can reduce dehumanization and foster improved intergroup relations.

A core theme in my work is understanding how these techniques can be effectively applied in diverse and often challenging contexts, including post-conflict societies. I am particularly interested in exploring how these interventions address the psychological underpinnings of intergroup hostility and promote reconciliation. For example, my studies examine how intergroup apologies or humanization processes influence attitudes and behaviors, as well as how social norms shape perceptions of harm and collective responsibility.

My academic and professional journey reflects a broad range of international experiences. After completing my PhD at the University of Geneva and the University of Lausanne, where I focused on intergroup dynamics in conflict and post-conflict settings, I worked as a Teaching and Research Assistant at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. During this time, I contributed to both research projects and teaching responsibilities, further enhancing my expertise in academic instruction and scholarly inquiry.

I then pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Limerick in Ireland, where I deepened my expertise in social and political psychology. Following this, I served as an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin in Ireland, where I taught and conducted research on intergroup relations and reconciliation processes. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, where I continue to explore these themes and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects.

Originally from Kosovo, my diverse experiences across Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands have shaped my global perspective and enriched my understanding of intergroup relations in culturally and politically varied contexts. My work aims to contribute to evidence-based strategies that address immediate conflict dynamics and foster long-term peacebuilding. I am always open to interdisciplinary collaborations and discussions that advance our understanding of conflict, reconciliation, and social cohesion.