Linda Tropp has been named University Chair in Peace Psychology. Professor Tropp is a long-time member of UMass Amherst and is a leader in the field of the psychology of peace and violence. Her work focusses on studying the relations between members of groups that differ in status and power, understanding how legacies of inequality and conflict shape their perspectives and motivations, and identifying mechanisms that can serve to promote both improved relations and social justice.
“We are so pleased to congratulate Dr. Tropp on this well-deserved accolade. The work of her and her team is not just academic; it has real-world consequences and has made measurable impacts. This is exactly what universities are meant to do: serve as incubators for scholarship and then help translate that scholarship to communities across the Commonwealth, nation, and world. The Psychology of Peace and Violence Program in PBS has a long history of meaningful research that has real impact in the world. We are thankful for the generous support of donors that enable us to support this endowed professorship, as well as support the work of graduate students and other faculty in the program. We are excited for the continued work of Dr. Tropp, and the Faculty and Students of the Peace program.”
— Ilia Karatsoreos, Department Chair and Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences
Tropp has served as the Director of the UMass Department of Psychology Peace and Violence Program and as a Chancellor’s Leadership Fellow.
“This endowed position fills me with fond memories of the donors of the gift, who made it possible to establish the UMass Psychology of Peace and Violence program, and who were pioneers in envisioning how scientific research could be used to promote peace and nonviolence in the world.” —Linda Tropp