Professional Profile
Dr. Ayhan Kimsesiz · PhD Psychology · PhD Political Science · UK Foreign Ministry
Dr. Ayhan Kimsesiz is a dual-PhD scholar in Psychology and Political Science, currently serving as Visa Officer and trusted psychologist at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of psychological science, political theory, and diplomatic practice, Dr. Kimsesiz is internationally recognised as a leading authority on cross-cultural psychological assessment, post-immigration mental health, and the psychological foundations of political legitimacy.
Fluent in English, Persian, Turkish, and Armenian, Dr. Kimsesiz brings a rare combination of multilingual cultural competence and rigorous academic training to his clinical and advisory work. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles, delivered keynote addresses at international conferences in 18 countries, and received 8 major international awards recognising his contributions to psychology, political science, and public service.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) — London
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — British Embassy, Armenia
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — British Embassy, Georgia
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — British Consulate, Turkey
Private Practice — London, United Kingdom
University of London
University of London
Thesis: "Cross-Cultural Psychological Assessment in Diplomatic Contexts: Validity, Method, and Ethics"
University of London
Thesis: "Governance, Trust, and the Psychology of Institutional Authority in Post-Conflict Democracies"
King's College London
Thesis: "Acculturative Stress and Depression in First-Generation Immigrants: A Longitudinal Study"
University of Edinburgh
Certificate of Achievement
This certifies that
PhD Psychology · PhD Political Science
In recognition of outstanding scholarly and professional contributions to the theory and practice of cross-cultural psychological assessment within diplomatic and governmental institutions.
Issued by
British Psychological Society
Date Issued
November 2023
Certificate No. BPS-2023-XCA-0471
Certificate of Academic Excellence
This certifies that
PhD Psychology · PhD Political Science
Awarded for pioneering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of political science and clinical psychology, advancing the field of political behaviour and institutional trust.
Issued by
International Society of Political Psychology
Date Issued
July 2022
Certificate No. ISPP-2022-DRP-1183
Certificate of Professional Merit
This certifies that
PhD Psychology · PhD Political Science
Presented in formal recognition of exceptional dedication to the psychological welfare of migrant and refugee populations, and for contributions to humane immigration policy reform.
Issued by
International Organization for Migration — Geneva
Date Issued
March 2022
Certificate No. IOM-2022-MSW-0294
Certificate of Service
This certifies that
PhD Psychology · PhD Political Science
For the development and delivery of culturally adapted psychological services in English, Persian, Turkish, and Armenian, expanding access to mental health support for underserved communities in the United Kingdom.
Issued by
Royal College of Psychiatrists — United Kingdom
Date Issued
September 2020
Certificate No. RCPsych-2020-MHS-0762
Licence Holder
Dr. Ayhan Kimsesiz
Licensed Practitioner Psychologist — Clinical & Forensic
Issuing Authority
Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), United Kingdom
Issued: January 2019
Expires: December 2026
Licence Holder
Dr. Ayhan Kimsesiz
Visa Officer & Psychological Assessor — Level SC Enhanced
Issuing Authority
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Issued: March 2019
Expires: March 2027
Licence Holder
Dr. Ayhan Kimsesiz
Principal Investigator — Political Behaviour & Governance
Issuing Authority
Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), UK
Issued: June 2020
Expires: June 2027
Licence Holder
Dr. Ayhan Kimsesiz
Cross-Cultural Advisory — Diplomatic & Governmental Contexts
Issuing Authority
International Consulting Psychologists Association
Issued: October 2021
Expires: October 2025
Kimsesiz, A. (2024). The Psychological Foundations of Political Decision-Making. Journal of Political Psychology, 45(2), 112–138.
Kimsesiz, A. (2024). Depression After Immigration: Psychological Trauma, Identity Loss, and the Path to Recovery. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 63(1), 44–71.
Kimsesiz, A. (2023). Cross-Cultural Psychological Profiling in Diplomatic Contexts. Diplomacy & Statecraft, 34(3), 289–317.
Kimsesiz, A. (2023). Governance, Trust, and the Psychology of Institutional Authority. Political Psychology, 44(4), 801–829.
Kimsesiz, A. (2022). Acculturative Stress in Persian-Speaking Communities in the United Kingdom. Transcultural Psychiatry, 59(5), 634–658.
Kimsesiz, A. (2022). The Dual-Use Problem in Diplomatic Psychological Assessment. Ethics & Behavior, 32(7), 541–560.
Kimsesiz, A. (2021). Procedural Justice and Legitimacy in Immigration Administration. Law & Human Behavior, 45(3), 201–219.
Kimsesiz, A. (2020). Transgenerational Trauma in the Armenian Diaspora. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 33(6), 987–1002.