Dr. Ilias Kassaras | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Panteion University | Greece

Dr. Ilias Kassaras is a dedicated psychologist and social researcher specializing in LGBTQIA2+ well-being and multisexual identity. Holding a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Panteion University in Athens, Greece, Dr. Kassaras has conducted pioneering studies on well-being and interpersonal relationships among plurisexual individuals. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2013), and two postgraduate degrees—one in Educational Psychology from the University of Nicosia (2016), and another in the Social Psychology of Conflict from Panteion University (2021). As a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist, his work bridges clinical practice and academic inquiry.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Ilias Kassaras stands out for tackling an under‑researched yet socially significant domain—plurisexual identity and LGBTQIA2+ well‑being. In just a few years he has produced six peer‑reviewed journal articles, including scale development work already filling key measurement gaps (e.g., the Multisexual Identity Scale, the short MSQ). Publishing in reputable outlets such as Journal of Bisexuality and Sexuality & Culture demonstrates both rigor and reach. His mixed‑methods approach, psychometric expertise, and focus on culturally adapting interventions (e.g., Honest, Open, Proud for multiple‑sclerosis patients) show methodological versatility and real‑world impact. As a qualified CBT psychotherapist, he bridges academic insight with clinical utility—an advantage for translational relevance. Collectively, these achievements position him as a promising change‑maker in sexuality research and an excellent fit for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Dr. Kassaras’s academic journey reflects his strong foundation in psychology and social sciences. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2013. He pursued two specialized postgraduate programs: one in Educational Psychology at the University of Nicosia (2016) and the other in Social Psychology of Conflict at Panteion University (2021). His academic career culminated in a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Panteion University, where he focused on interpersonal relationships and well-being in multisexual populations.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

Professionally, Dr. Kassaras has merged academic rigor with therapeutic practice. As a qualified Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist, he has worked closely with individuals across various gender and sexual identities, translating empirical knowledge into affirming therapeutic approaches. In academia, he has served as a researcher and author, contributing to both national and international discussions on gender identity, LGBTQIA2+ experiences, and social psychology. His experience also includes collaborative projects on culturally adapting psychological programs for minority groups in Greece.

🔬 Research Interests On Psychology

Dr. Kassaras’s research interests are deeply rooted in social psychology, with a focus on sexuality, gender identity, and LGBTQIA2+ mental health. His work shines a light on plurisexual individuals—an often overlooked subgroup—exploring their identity formation, well-being, and psychosexuality. He is particularly interested in developing inclusive tools for psychological measurement and has authored new validated scales for use among multisexual populations. His interdisciplinary approach blends empirical rigor with cultural sensitivity.

🏅 Awards

While formal award recognitions are still emerging, Dr. Kassaras’s groundbreaking contributions in LGBTQIA2+ psychology and plurisexual identity research position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His development of identity-specific psychological scales and dedication to underrepresented groups mark significant advancements in inclusive psychological science.

📚 Publications

Dr. Kassaras has published several impactful articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals, often in collaboration with Dr. P. Kordoutis. His publications include the development of novel psychological scales and empirical research on LGBTQIA2+ identity and well-being:

• Kassaras, I., & Kordoutis, P. (2024). Measuring Aspects of Multisexuality: Initial Development of the Multisexual Identity Scale. Journal of Bisexuality, 1–44. [🔗 https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2024.2374346]

• Kassaras, I., & Kordoutis, P. (in press). The Role of Gender Identity in Well-Being and Psychosexual Aspects. Interpersona: An International Journal on Personal Relationships.

• Kassaras, I. (2025). Predicting Attitudes Towards LGBTQIA2+ Individuals: The Roles of Moral Judgments, Masculinity/Femininity, and Moral Disengagement. Sexuality & Culture. [🔗 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-025-10353-0]

• Tzitzika, M., Daoultzis, C. C., Kassaras, I., & Kordoutis, P. (2025). EYpA: Cultural Integration and Adaptation of the Honest, Open, Proud Program for Use in People with Multiple Sclerosis in Greece. Qeios. [🔗 https://doi.org/10.32388/C3EYHO]

• Kassaras, I., & Kordoutis, P. (2025). Development and Initial Validation of a Short Form of the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire for Multisexual People. Journal of Bisexuality, 1–24. [🔗 https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2025.2498337]

• Kassaras, I., & Kordoutis, P. (2025). Multisexuality, Psychosexual aspects and Well-being: A Web-based survey in a Greek sample. Trends in Psychology. [🔗 https://doi.org/10.1007/s43076-025-00469-5]

🔚 Conclusion

✨ Dr. Ilias Kassaras stands at the forefront of inclusive social psychology research, with a special focus on LGBTQIA2+ well-being and multisexual identity development. Through a combination of theoretical insight and empirical innovation, he has created vital tools for understanding and affirming underrepresented identities. His dedication to scientific rigor and social impact makes him an exemplary nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Kassaras’s contributions are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable psychological science landscape.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Batmaz | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Karabük University | Turkey

Dr. Hasan Batmaz is an Assistant Professor and the Coordinator of the Psychosocial Counseling Unit at Karabük University, Türkiye. With a strong background in psychological counseling, he has focused his academic and professional efforts on enhancing student mental health and well-being. Since 2019, he has actively contributed to both individual and group counseling services within the university setting, combining practical therapy methods with research-based interventions to support the youth’s psychological resilience and development.

Professional profile👤

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Hasan Batmaz demonstrates exceptional academic and research achievements in the field of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, particularly focused on youth mental health, anxiety sensitivity, and psychological resilience. He has:

• Published 12 journal articles indexed in SCI/Scopus, contributing substantially to evidence-based psychological interventions.

• Achieved a citation index of 285, indicating his research is widely referenced and influential.

• Authored 4 books with ISBN, showcasing a commitment to advancing mental health education and awareness.

• Played an impactful administrative and academic role as the Coordinator of the Psychosocial Counseling Unit at Karabuk University, innovating student mental health services.

• Contributed to 10 consultancy/industry projects, highlighting his applied impact beyond academia.

🎓 Education

📘 Dr. Batmaz embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Sciences from Atatürk University in 2015. He further pursued a Master’s in Guidance and Psychological Counseling at Inonu University, graduating in 2020. Most recently, he earned his Ph.D. in Psychological Counseling from Sakarya University in 2024. His academic path reflects a consistent commitment to advancing mental health education and research.

💼 Experience

Since 2019, Dr. Batmaz has served at Karabük University, first as a Research Assistant and now as an Assistant Professor. In 2022, he assumed the role of Coordinator of the Psychosocial Counseling Unit, where he leads mental health programs, supervises counseling initiatives, and supports institutional psychological well-being. He is instrumental in integrating evidence-based strategies into university-level student counseling services, training modules, and prevention programs.

🔬 Research Interests On Psychology

Dr. Batmaz’s research spans several key areas in psychological science. His interests include Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Psychological Resilience, Anxiety Sensitivity, and Youth Mental Health. He also delves into Social Media and Psychological Well-being, Group Counseling Programs, Preventive Mental Health Interventions, and Psychoeducation in University Counseling. His research bridges clinical application and scholarly innovation, aiming to improve mental health services in higher education.

🏆 Awards

🏅 Dr. Batmaz’s contributions have been widely recognized through institutional support and research impact. While formal awards are not listed, his growing citation index (285 citations), role as a counseling coordinator, and participation in multiple national academic projects reflect his merit and dedication to psychological development and support services for youth.

📑 Publications

• Online gaming addiction and basic psychological needs among adolescents: the mediating roles of meaning in life and responsibility
  A. Kaya, N. Türk, H. Batmaz, M.D. Griffiths
  2024 — 📑 Citations: 89

• Cyberbullying and cyber victimization: Examining mediating roles of empathy and resilience
  H. Batmaz, N. Türk, A. Kaya, M. Yıldırım
  2023 — 📑 Citations: 28

• Examining the Online Game Addiction Level in terms of Sensation Seeking and Loneliness in University Students
  H. Batmaz, E. Çelik
  2021 — 📑 Citations: 24

• School Belongingness and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Adolescents: Exploring the Influence of Meaningful School
  M. Yıldırım, H. Yıldırım-Kurtuluş, H. Batmaz, E. Kurtuluş
  2023 — 📑 Citations: 23

• The mediating effect of religiousness in the relationship between psychological resilience and fear of COVID-19 in Turkey
  H. Batmaz, K. Meral
  2022 — 📑 Citations: 23

• The Effect of Social Support on Work-Life Balance: The Role of Psychological Well-Being
  H.B. Emin Kurtuluş, Hacer Kurtuluş-Yıldırım
  2023 — 📑 Citations: 22

• The Mediating Role of Hope and Loneliness in the Relationship Between Meaningful Life and Psychological Resilience in the Covid-19 Pandemic During
  H. Batmaz, T. Nuri, C. Doğrusever
  2021 — 📑 Citations: 22

• The Mediating Role Of Digital Game Addiction In The Correlation Between Cyber Victimization and Cyber Bullying
  H. Batmaz, Y. Ulusoy, F. İnceoğlu
  2020 — 📑 Citations: 16

• The mediating role of meaningful life in the relationship between self-esteem and psychological resilience
  C. Doğrusever, N. Türk, H. Batmaz
  2022 — 📑 Citations: 14

• Sexual dissatisfaction and sexual self-efficacy: an examination of the role of sexual self-confidence as a mediator
  H. Batmaz, E. Çelik
  2022 — 📑 Citations: 8

🧠 Conclusion

Dr. Hasan Batmaz exemplifies dedication to advancing mental health awareness and practice through both academic and institutional roles. With a strong research portfolio, a focus on youth psychological resilience, and leadership in university-based psychosocial initiatives, he has made remarkable strides in enhancing mental health frameworks. His balance of research, education, and hands-on counseling demonstrates his suitability for recognition in categories such as the Best Researcher Award.