KARACHI, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 12th Aug, 2026) The Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Research) at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of the Aga Khan University Karachi Dr Duane Rousselle stated that wonder, expression, and dialogue play a fundamental role in shaping the processes of knowledge and research.
Dr Rousselle expressed these views on Wednesday while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the two-day long Psychology Congress 2026: A Behavioral Science Perspectives, organized by the Department of Psychology, University of Karachi. The ceremony was held at the KU’s Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium.
According to him, during the act of expression, human beings sometimes discover meanings and possibilities that were not previously present in their consciousness.
He explained that unexpected discoveries often emerge through dialogue, whether it is an unintentional slip of language or a statement that a person has never articulated before.
He emphasized that in contexts where a discipline or concept does not have a strong institutional foundation, dialogue on the subject provides a significant academic opportunity.
Referring to his own experience with psychoanalysis in Pakistan, Dr Rousselle noted that although the field does not have a well-established institutional background in the country, this very situation can lead to the formation of new intellectual perspectives and possibilities.
Dr Duane Rousselle, a Canadian sociological theorist, Lacanian psychoanalyst, and Professor of sociology, stressed that conversation is not merely a medium of expressing ideas but an important means of discovering new knowledge, meanings, and intellectual horizons.
Dr Duane Rousselle remarked that it is essential to understand the importance of wonder, uncertainty, and unexpected circumstances in both personal and professional life. In our work, not only skill or personality but also a particular passion and desire are at play, which he described as “determination.”
He clarified that determination is sometimes misunderstood as rigidity, prejudice, or authoritarianism, whereas in reality it is the courage to face wonder and unexpected circumstances with an open heart, rather than fleeing from uncertainty.
Dr Rousselle posed the question: do we possess the ability to confront the inevitable surprises of our personal, professional, and institutional lives, and to sustain ourselves amidst them? He observed that many factors in human life do not conform to any plan or prediction.
He emphasized that the true demand of knowledge and intellectual endeavor is that human beings should develop the capacity not to escape from uncertainty and wonder, but to understand them and engage with them in a meaningful way.
Senior Director of the Office of International Affairs at the American Psychological Association (APA) Professor Dr Amanda Clinton stated that for effective progress in psychology at the global level, it is essential to advance research and scholarly efforts in alignment with local and societal realities, based on authentic data and scientific evidence.
In her online address, she explained that the purpose of global psychology is to harness the experiences, knowledge, and resources of different societies through mutual cooperation, thereby confronting shared and future challenges.
She highlighted that the Global Psychology Alliance was established in 2019, and during the Covid-19 pandemic it expanded its activities by producing white papers, practical resources, and guidance materials on various topics.
She noted that the Alliance has worked on crucial issues such as global mental health, climate change, democracy, and gender identity, taking into account diverse cultural and social contexts. “Ten principles formulated regarding the relationship between artificial intelligence and psychology also provide guidance to experts for the responsible use of AI in research, clinical practice, and applied fields.
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Professor Clinton emphasized that faculty members and experts from Karachi’s universities can also benefit from these global academic resources and disseminate them among students, teachers, the public, and policymakers. This would promote more effective, evidence-based measures in health, education, policymaking, and social welfare.
Earlier, the KU’s Chairperson of the Department of Psychology Professor Dr Farah Iqbal mentioned that Psychology Congress 2026 is an important academic platform for understanding human behavior in the context of changing social, cultural, and technological realities, and for advancing psychological sciences.
She remarked that the theme of the congress, “Human Behavior in a Changing World: Insights for Mind, Society, and Technology”, aptly reflects the major challenges of the present era.
She explained that Generation Z and Generation Alpha are growing up in the digital age, where social media, artificial intelligence, and modern technology have significantly influenced their lifestyles and experiences. While technology provides vast opportunities for education, creativity, and global connectivity, it also presents serious challenges such as cyberbullying, mental stress, unrealistic social comparisons, excessive screen use, and misinformation.
A faculty member, Professor Dr Anila Amber Malik from KU’s Department of Psychology observed that the future of psychological care is rapidly transforming, with behavioral sciences, translational research, social factors, and modern technology playing a central role.
She added that given the increasing demand for mental health services and limited resources, it is imperative to reconsider existing models of care.
She emphasized the need to connect research findings with real human problems and societal needs, bridging the gap from laboratory to practical life.
Professor Dr Anila Malik asserted that psychological research must be harmonized with diverse cultural and social environments, making it comprehensive and human-centered. Artificial intelligence and digital technology are rapidly influencing human behavior and interpersonal relationships, so it is crucial to understand not only their positive uses but also their potential risks.
She also highlighted the impact of global crises, climate change, political instability, and armed conflicts on human psychology, noting that psychology is currently undergoing a transitional phase and the future of care is continuously evolving.
She stressed that the psychology of the future demands exceptional scholarly competence, profound empathy, and unwavering commitment to human welfare.
Meanwhile, the KU’s Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Professor Dr Samina Saeed remarked that universities and academic conferences play a vital role in promoting research, dialogue, collaboration, and new thinking.
She shared that technology, globalization, and changing social conditions have significantly affected human lifestyles and behaviors, thereby increasing the importance of research in behavioral and social sciences.
She observed that the new generation has experienced profound changes in the ways they think, learn, and connect with society, resulting in new challenges such as responsible use of technology, mental and social well-being, and meaningful human relationships.
She praised the scholarly and research efforts of the Department of Psychology, noting that the congress will contribute to fostering meaningful academic dialogue and collaborative research on important national and global issues.
Professor Dr Qudsia Tariq delivered the vote of thanks, while Professor Dr. Farrukh Z. Ahmed also addressed the ceremony.
