Hisham M. Abu-Rayya is a Full Professor of social-cultural psychology, specializing in psychosocial functioning and development within diverse contexts. He earned his B.A. (magna cum laude) in psychology and statistics from the Hebrew University, where he also completed postgraduate degrees (magna cum laude) in psychology and applied statistics. He obtained his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Cambridge, supported by the prestigious Overseas Research Student Award (ORS) from the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom and Gates Cambridge Scholarship, the University of Cambridge. Following his PhD, Abu-Rayya received distinguished fellowships for outstanding early-career researchers, including the University of Sydney Research Fellowship and the Maof Fellowship at the University of Haifa. He has also secured highly competitive research grants, such as the Australian Research Council Project Discovery Grant (2009-2013), Israeli Science Foundation Grant (2016-2020; 2024-2028), and the European Commission Marie Curie Fellowship (2019-2020). Abu-Rayya’s primary teaching and research job is held at the University of Haifa, and he also holds an adjunct (Honorary) Professorship at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.

Abu-Rayya’s research spans several key areas, including:

• Identity, Acculturation, and Mental Health: Exploring how individuals navigate their cultural identities and the impact of acculturation on psychological well-being.
• Inter-group Relations and Prejudice Reduction: Investigating the dynamics between different social groups and strategies for reducing prejudice and promoting understanding.
• Mixed-Ethnic/Cultural/Faith Marriages, Identity, and Adjustment: Examining the unique challenges and adjustments faced by individuals in intercultural, interfaith, and mixed-ethnic relationships.
• Culture, Religion, and Mental Health: Analyzing the intersections between cultural and religious influences on mental health, coping mechanisms, and well-being.
• Psychological Development: Understanding how psychological growth and development are shaped by social and cultural factors.

Abu-Rayya’s research employs a diverse range of research methodologies, including cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, experimental approaches, some qualitative methods, large-scale archival data analysis, critical literature reviews, and meta-analytic techniques. His work has been presented at over 60 research forums and published in more than 70 scientific papers, many appearing in leading journals such as Journal of Adolescent Health, The British Journal of Developmental Psychology, Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Computers in Human Behaviour, Review of General Psychology, Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews, and Group Processes & Intergroup Relations. Abu-Rayya is an active member of local and international scientific associations, including the Young Academy and the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology. He regularly reviews grant applications for prestigious funding bodies such as the Australian Research Council, Israeli Science Foundation, and the EU Marie Curie Program. Additionally, he serves on the editorial boards of the International Journal of Intercultural Relations and Frontiers in Social Psychology.