Dr Marija Branković, Research Associate at the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, is this year’s recipient of the prestigious “Nenad Havelka” Award. This prize is awarded annually for outstanding scientific contributions by early-career researchers in the field of psychology..
The focus of her award-winning research is the complex relationship between humans and animals. Marija explores how humans perceive animals across a wide spectrum — from companions and beings we admire to creatures utilized for our own needs.
Key research theses include:
- Animals as social actors: Social psychology views animals as part of our social world — actors with whom we engage in interactions that are heavily influenced by the social environment.
- Expanding psychological insights: Researching these interactions allows us to broaden our knowledge of social categorisation and intergroup relations, as well as psychological well-being and mental health.
Contact with animals offers opportunities for developing attachment and support, thereby contributing to human well-being. Simultaneously, the recognition and protection of animals from exploitation have a positive impact on the entire environment.
Marija Branković is a Research Associate at IFDT and an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Media and Communications. Her work in the field of social and political psychology focuses on human-animal relations, social identifications in post-conflict regions, and the psychological foundations of irrational beliefs. As an ambassador of the European Association of Social Psychology, she is dedicated to applying scientific knowledge to create a society that promotes the well-being of humans, other animals, and the environment.
We congratulate Marija on receiving this award!