Dr. Saba Safdar is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Guelph and Director of the Social Practice and Transformational Change (SOPR) Ph.D. program. For more than two decades, her work has focused on immigration, multiculturalism, identity, and building more
inclusive communities.
Her research examines the experiences of immigrants and refugees, exploring how factors such as culture, gender, discrimination, and public policy shape integration, belonging, and well-being. She has worked closely with diverse communities in Canada and internationally to better understand the opportunities and challenges newcomers face and to identify practical approaches that foster social inclusion.
Dr. Safdar is committed to ensuring that research informs public policy and community practice.
Through collaborations with community organizations, government agencies, and international partners, she has contributed to initiatives that promote intercultural understanding, equity, and the full participation of diverse communities in society.
She has authored more than 80 scholarly publications and has held numerous international leadership roles, including serving as President of the International Academy for Intercultural Research (2023–2025). She currently represents Canada at the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) and directs EDUCATE, the educational initiative of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology.
As a nominee for the Iranian Canadian Congress Executive Board, Dr. Safdar brings extensive expertise in immigration, multiculturalism, and community inclusion. She is committed to fostering civic engagement, strengthening connections within the Iranian Canadian community, and contributing research-informed perspectives to support the Congress's mission.