Testimonial: Fritz Strack (2005-2008)

Quoting from his presidential address at the end of his term in 2008:

Social psychology in Europe is simply a success story. And remarkably, this is not only obvious by what has happened IN Europe but also by what European Social Psychologists have contributed to activities beyond the shores of our continent. A report about the state of social psychology in Europe would not be complete if it were not to acknowledge the increasing role that European social psychologists play abroad, and particularly in North America. Not only as authors, but also as members of the editorial teams of the leading international journals. And as much as this may blur the distinction between European and non-European social psychology, I believe it is a wonderful development in the right direction.

My final point, and those who know me will not be surprised, is the universality of our field. As I am pleased and proud to report about the international eminence of social psychology ‛made in Europe’ and about our members’ positions as authors, award winners and editors of international journals, it seems obvious that the times have passed when European social psychology needed to be protected from non-European influences. Today, we have all reasons to be confident that our contributions are at equal standing with those from other countries, including those from North America. At the same time, we are full members, often even fellows of their academic societies, and I am mentioning APS, SPSP, SPSSI and SESP as examples.