Anna Knorr

MSCA Doctoral Candidate in Political Psychology | Radicalization

Cracow, Małopolskie, Poland

About

I study the psychological mechanisms of radicalization and extremism, focusing on how motivational needs and cognitive rigidity shape ideological commitment and political violence. Integrating political psychology and cognitive science, I use predictive coding to examine belief formation and resistance. During a secondment at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, I worked on belief rigidity and digital information environments. My broader goal is to bridge research and policy to counter radicalization and strengthen democratic resilience.

Experience

  • IP-PAD Doctoral Network (Full-time · 2 yrs 9 mos)
    • Early Career Researcher and PhD Candidate
      Oct 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 9 mos

      Early Career Reseacher and PhD Candidate in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Network 'Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Politics of Adolescence and Democracy' (IP-PAD)

    • Doctoral Candidate
      Oct 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 9 mos

  • EASP Summer Scholar at European Association of Social Psychology (EASP)
    Jul 2025 - Aug 2025 · 2 mos

    The EASP Summer School is a prestigious academic training programme designed to support the development of early-career researchers in the field of social psychology. The 2025 edition brought together approximately 80 PhD students from across Europe and beyond to engage in intensive academic exchange, research collaboration, and methodological training. Participants took part in: • A full-time schedule of immersive seminars, workshops, and keynote lectures over 8 days (approximately 64 contact hours); • A thematic workstream focused on a key issue in contemporary social psychology, including close collaboration with leading researchers and peers; • A student-led group research project presented to the full cohort on the final day; • Supplementary skills training in open science, statistical methods, and metascience; • Informal mentoring sessions and professional development events. Anna Knorr participated in the Political Cognition workstream, one of six thematic tracks offered during the 2025 Summer School.

  • Visiting Researcher at University of Maryland
    Apr 2025 - Jul 2025 · 4 mos

  • Visiting Researcher at National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)
    Apr 2025 - Jul 2025 · 4 mos

  • Visiting Researcher at European Commission
    Jan 2025 - Apr 2025 · 4 mos