Burak Havakara is a researcher in psychology and law whose work integrates clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and interdisciplinary legal studies. He currently serves as a researcher at the Department of Psychology of the Catholic University of Milan and at the Garcia Laboratory within the Department of Psychological Assessment and Treatment at the Autonomous University of Madrid. His research primarily focuses on personality, psychological assessment, evidence-based psychological treatment, and neuropsychology, while his legal scholarship addresses comparative private law, competition law, corporate law, and commercial law. Through this interdisciplinary approach, his work bridges behavioral science, neuroscience, and legal frameworks.
Havakara is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology (Doctor Europaeus) in the Clinical and Health Psychology track at the Autonomous University of Madrid. As part of his doctoral training, he conducts research activities within the Doctoral School and participates in international academic collaborations, including a research stay at the Catholic University of Milan. In parallel with his doctoral studies, he completed postgraduate training in artificial intelligence and neuroimaging within the Deep Tech Brain program at the University of Barcelona, expanding his methodological expertise in advanced cognitive and neuroscientific research methods.
His academic background in psychology includes a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Bergamo, where his thesis examined the relationship between distress intolerance and mental well-being, focusing on the mediating role of schizotypal personality traits. He previously completed a double-major Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and New Media at Istanbul Beykent University with full scholarship and high honors. His early research explored cognitive flexibility and fluid intelligence in adults with autism spectrum disorders, as well as the relationship between psychological well-being, narcissism, and social media use. Alongside his psychological training, Havakara has pursued legal studies in Global Law and Transnational Legal Studies at the University of Turin, complemented by academic experience in comparative and international legal studies through exchange programs.
Before beginning his current doctoral research, Havakara participated in several international research and academic programs across Europe. He contributed to neuropsychological research projects at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and took part in interdisciplinary academic initiatives that connected psychology with communication, culture, and social sciences, including studies at Panteion University of Athens. These experiences supported the development of his research interests in cognitive processes, psychological assessment, and interdisciplinary methodology.
In addition to his academic research, Havakara has professional experience at the intersection of psychology and law. He currently works as a legal consultant, providing expertise on issues such as data protection, mental health legislation, research ethics, and the legal dimensions of psychological practice. His interdisciplinary perspective emphasizes the integration of clinical knowledge with regulatory and ethical considerations in research and professional settings.
Havakara has authored scholarly publications including an academic article on schizotypal personality disorder and a book titled The Psychology of Working Life. His research has been presented at international conferences, and he actively contributes to collaborative projects in psychology and neuropsychology. His work has been supported by numerous international scholarships and mobility grants from European institutions and academic organizations. He is affiliated with several scientific and professional associations in psychology and neuroscience and continues to participate in international research collaborations.
Fluent in Turkish and proficient in English and Italian, Havakara works within diverse academic environments and contributes to multidisciplinary research networks across Europe. His long-term research agenda aims to advance the understanding of personality processes, cognitive functioning, and clinical assessment while promoting integrative perspectives that connect psychological science, neuroscience, and legal studies.