Cross-cultural researcher made Honorary Fellow

Professor Colleen Ward, founder and Co-Director of Victoria University’s Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research, has been made an Honorary Fellow of the International Association of Cross-cultural Psychology (IACCP).

One of only 23 recipients since the IACCP was founded in 1970, Professor Ward received the prestigious award during a ceremony in France earlier this month.

Professor Ward has had a long and distinguished career in the study of how culture influences the development of human behaviour, and how those of differing cultural backgrounds relate to each other when they come into contact. 

Her career exemplifies the range of cultural experiences that provide the personal knowledge that motivates many who have chosen cross-cultural psychology as a career. The experiences of living in the United States, United Kingdom, Trinidad, Malaysia, Singapore and now New Zealand have provided both first-hand knowledge and research insights into the importance of the role of culture in psychology.

Professor Ward has been productive in her research, and this has propelled her to the forefront of the field. Her book, titled The Psychology of Culture Shock, has become the standard reference work on acculturation and adaptation.

Beyond her commitment to research, Professor Ward has also been concerned with the application of her work to the betterment of human development and human relations. This is exemplified by her initiative to develop and direct the Centre for Applied Cross-Cultural Research, part of Victoria’s School of Psychology.

Professor Ward has also served as Secretary-General and Regional Representative of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology, and President of both the International Academy for Intercultural Research and of the Asian Association of Social Psychology.