Farewell to Kai Sassenberg: New Director of ZPID

After almost 16 years at the IWM, Prof. Dr. Kai Sassenberg, head of the Social Processes lab, was formally bid farewell at the beginning of December. He has embarked on a new chapter in his career, taking up the post of director at the Leibniz Institute for Psychology (ZPID) in Trier in October. In doing so, he responded to a call from the University of Trier, which included the directorship of the Institute.

"With his focus on social psychological approaches, Kai Sassenberg has significantly enriched the profile of the IWM and added an important dimension to its research activities. His research on health communication, leadership and, more recently, fake news and conspiracy theories has received widespread attention and recognition. I am very happy for him that he will be the director of ZPID in the future, and we will continue to be colleagues within the Leibniz Association," said Ulrike Cress, congratulating the former lab head.

Robert Polgar also thanked Sassenberg for his commitment over the years. "Kai Sassenberg has held important positions within the IWM, including chairing the PhD Committee and leading the MAI network. We wish him every success in his new position," said the Administrative Director.

Despite Sassenberg’s departure, ongoing projects within the Social Processes lab will continue as planned - under the interim leadership of Ulrike Cress and the supervision of the deputy lab leader, PD Dr Annika Scholl Pasqualini.