Ongoing Research

Trillions of black soldier flies are reared annually, with adults used primarily as breeders; despite the number we farm, little is known about appropriate diets for adult flies.

A misconception about farmed adult black soldier flies is that they cannot eat; however, adults have functional mouthparts that link up with functional digestive systems with all the required enzymes for protein and carbohydrate catalysis. When carbohydrates are provided, adults gravitate towards and consume it - and this extends their lifespan. Despite the evidence that adults can and do eat, little work has been done to optimize adult diets for welfare or production reasons.

In this study, we demonstrate that adult black soldier flies prefer molasses as a carbohydrate source and heat-inactivated yeast as a protein source in a 1 : 4 or 1 : 8 yeast to molasses ratio (with a 5% molasses concentration in water). Flies in cages provided with the 1 : 8 ratio diet lived 25% longer, were observed mating more frequently, and had a 3.8-fold increase in egg production in the first 8 days of life. This study is a stepping-stone to further dietary optimization that could improve welfare and production for farmed BSF.

At least 200 billion black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are reared each year as food and feed. The insect farming industry is projected to grow rapidly.

Despite interest by consumers, producers, and legislators, no empirical evidence exists to guide producers in practicing humane – or instantaneous – slaughter for these novel mini-livestock. BSFL may be slaughtered via freezing, boiling, grinding, or other methods; however standard operating procedures (SOPs) and equipment design may affect the likelihood of instantaneous death using these methods.

We develop a grinding SOP for producers that results in a high percentage of instantaneous death (up to 99%) irrespective of larval body size (across a specified range of masses). We also develop a protocol for producers that wish to test their own grinding SOPs.

We examine how gender role expectations and constructions of masculinity affect men’s well-being, emotional expression, and support for gender equality. This research highlights both the vulnerabilities created by rigid gender norms and the conditions under which men engage as allies in gender equality efforts.

·       Ömer topuz, Hacer harlak, Ahmet Çoymak. Erkekler de yanar hem de nasıl yanar: Kadın ve erkek toplumsal cinsiyet rollerinin tutumlarla kesişimi

Another major line of work focuses on the content of national identity and its implications for intergroup dynamics, particularly in the Kurdish–Turkish context. By analyzing how inclusive versus exclusive definitions of national identity predict trust, prejudice, and reconciliation, this research contributes to broader debates on conflict, identity politics, and peace processes.

·       Hasan Yentür. The Impact of Leader-Centered Group Meta-Perceptions and Identity Leadership on Support for the Leader and Perceptions of the Leader’s Effectiveness and Success Regarding the Immigrant Issue

·       Hafize Öznur Erem, Nazlı Karakoçoğlu ve Ahmet Çoymak. Coping Self-Efficacy and Collective Action: The Mediating Role of Institutional Trust

·       Hasan Yentür. The Effect of the Political Leaders on Integration: Identity Leadership, Group Processes and Leader-Centered Group Meta Perception

We explore how social and institutional hierarchies influence decision-making, evaluation, and interpersonal dynamics in applied settings. This includes examining how professional authority, social dominance, and institutional structures shape interactions in domains such as mental health, education, and organizational life. The goal is to identify when hierarchies facilitate or hinder fair, inclusive, and effective practices.

·       Mehmet Ali Sevim, Maintaining the Power in the Theraphy Room: A Conceptual Model of Social Dominance Orientation, Medicalization, and Overpathologizing

We study the psychological dimensions of refugee and minority experiences, including identity concealment, structural exclusion, and political engagement. This research highlights both the barriers and opportunities for inclusive participation, drawing attention to the conditions that foster resilience and engagement among marginalized communities.

·       Ömer Topuz, Hasan Yentür ve Ahmet Çoymak. Political Psychological Premises of Syrian Asylum Seekers' Motivations for Return

·       Hafize Öznur Erem ve Ahmet Çoymak. Suriyeli Sığınmacıların Geri Dönüş Motivasyonlarının Politik Psikolojik Öncülleri

Alongside substantive research, we advance critical methodologies in psychology, interrogating how mainstream approaches reproduce social hierarchies and exploring alternative, context-sensitive methods. This contributes to both reflexive science and more inclusive forms of knowledge production.

·       Karasu, S., & Üzümçeker, E. (2025-26). Şiddetin sosyolojik belirleyicileri. Ankara, Türkiye: Anı Yayıncılık.

Our work also extends into higher education policy, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability. This involves analyzing how institutional structures can support equity, diversity, and long-term societal responsibility, connecting psychological insights to policy and governance.

·       Karasu, S. (2025)....Onto Journal, 28, xx–xx. “İklim krizi: İnsan ve doğa arasında”