The 8th Azerbaijan International Psychology Conference was held at Khazar University on April 26-27, 2024 under the organization of the Khazar University Psychology Department and the Khazar Psychological Service Center. The opening was started by the orchestra of Khazar University. Video material prepared by the Khazar Multimedia Center and showcasing the conferences of previous years was shown to the attendees.
Malak Karimova, coordinator of the Khazar University Psychology Department, highlighted active involvement of the department and the Khazar Psychological Service Center in such seminars, trainings and conferences, and gave the floor to Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, founder and chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees of Khazar University, to open the conference. He, expressed well wishes for the conference’s continued success, emphasizing the evolving nature of psychology as a scientific discipline. Rector of Khazar University Assoc. Prof. Irada Khalilova Assoc. Prof. Irada Khalilova, the university’s rector, underscored the significance of such gatherings and extended wishes for the conference’s fruitful outcomes.
Malak Karimova, coordinator of the Psychology Department, gave detailed information about the keynote speakers invited to the conference from Britain. She mentioned Adrian Furnham, a renowned psychologist with affiliations to the British Psychological Society and the American Psychological Association, known for authoring 95 books and over 1480 articles. Additionally, Michele Moore, founding director of “Inclusion Childhood and Education Ltd (ICE)” and editor-in-chief of “Disability and Society” journal, along with professors Muge Yuksel, Azize Nilgun Canel, Durmus Ummet from Marmara University, and professor Cem Ali Gizir from Mersin University were among the invited speakers.
During the conference, Prof. Adrian Furnham conducted a training session titled “Money and Motivation,” delving into the psychological impact of income and financial status, as well as the interplay between money and motivation. Prof. Michele Moore provided the audience with the latest insights on “Disability and Family Challenges.” Prof. Cem Ali Gizir discussed “Age Therapy,” while Prof. Azize Nilgun Canel elaborated on the “Metacognitive Assistance Process.” The event concluded with Assoc. Prof. Durmus Ummet delivering a theoretical discourse on “Compassion Fatigue in Mental Health Professionals” and a practical session on “Using Therapeutic Cards in Sessions.”
The majority of the second day of the conference focused on practical exercises. Prof. Adrian Furnham facilitated a hands-on training session titled “Why Leaders Fail.” Prof. Michele Moore discussed “Methods of Dealing with Difficulties in Families Facing Disabilities.” Prof. Cem Ali Gizir explored “Methods Used in Age Therapy.” Prof. Azize Nilgun Canel introduced “Tree of Life: Application of Empowerment-Based Narrative Therapy.” Prof. Müge Yuksel covered the “Application of Creative Drama” and explained the implementation guidelines for each topic.
Following the conference, a dinner was arranged with the guests to discuss future cooperation matters. At the end, gifts and l certificates were presented to the conference participants, and gratitude was extended to the “Asterias” company for sponsoring the event.
