Turhan Canli

Turhan Canli is a Professor at the Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, where he founded and directs the Social, Cognitive/Clinical, and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) Center since 2008. His work bridges molecular biology and neuroscience to explore individual differences in emotions, personality, and mental health.

Research Interests:

• Neural and genetic basis of personality, depression, and cognitive decline
• Molecular Psychology
• Affective, Personality, Political, and Social Neuroscience
• Neuroethics
• Global Brain/Mental Health and Forced Migration

Notable Contributions:

• Co-founder of the International Neuroethics Society (2006)
• Authored The Oxford Handbook of Molecular Psychology (2015)
• Launched the journal Molecular Psychology: Brain, Behavior, & Society (2022)
• Developed a novel non-invasive imaging technique for blood-brain barrier permeability

Scientific Awards:

• 2022 Fellow, American Psychological Association (APA)
• 2021 Fellow, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI)
• 2010 Fellow, Association for Psychological Science (APS)
• 2008 James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Award
• 2006 Alumni Recognition Award, EPIIC, Tufts University
• 2002 APA Division 6 D.G. Marquis Award for best paper in Behavioral Neuroscience
• 2001-3 Young Investigator Award, NARSAD
• 1996-9 National Research Service Award (NRSA)

Leadership & Collaborations:

• Founded the SCAN Center at Stony Brook University
• Active in global brain health initiatives focusing on refugees and environmental stressors
• Contributions to neurogenetics, epigenetics, and the role of HERVs in brain function