Paul Ekman American psychologist, professor at the University of California, leading expert in the field of psychology of emotions Date of Birth: 15.02.1934 Country: USA

1. Biography of Paul Ekman
2. Career and Achievements
3. Education and Early Career
4. Contributions and Research
5. Books and Publications
6. Awards and Honors

Biography of Paul Ekman

Paul Ekman is a prominent American psychologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco. He is considered one of the leading experts in the field of psychology of emotions, interpersonal communication, psychology, and lie detection.

Career and Achievements

Ekman gained worldwide recognition as the inspiration and consultant for the popular TV series "Lie to me", where he served as the prototype for the main character, Dr. Lightman. In 2009, Time magazine included Paul Ekman in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Ekman has dedicated over 30 years of his career to the study of deception and is widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities in this field. His services are sought after by politicians, entrepreneurs, leaders, as well as various federal government ministries and agencies in the United States.

Currently, Paul Ekman heads the "Paul Ekman Group," a small company that specializes in the development of methodologies and educational devices for the study of emotions and microexpressions.

Education and Early Career

Paul Ekman received his education at the University of Chicago and New York University. He obtained his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Adelphi University in New York in 1958 and subsequently worked at the Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute. After serving two years in the U.S. Army as an officer in clinical psychology, Ekman returned to the Langley Porter Institute, where he practiced from 1960 to 2004.

Contributions and Research

Ekman's research on facial expressions and body language began in 1954 and resulted in his first publication in 1957. He initially focused on social psychology and cultural differences, as well as semiotics. In parallel with his studies on human emotions and expressions, Ekman actively worked on the theory of deception.

In 1971, Paul Ekman received the National Institute of Mental Health Award for his achievements in scientific research. He was subsequently awarded this prestigious honor in 1976, 1981, 1987, 1991, and 1997. The National Institute of Mental Health continued to support Ekman's research through scholarships, grants, and awards for 40 years.

Ekman's articles and interviews have appeared in renowned publications such as Time Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, Psychology Today, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. He has appeared on various television shows, including "48 Hours," "Dateline," "Good Morning America," "20/20," "Larry King," "Oprah," and "Johnny Carson." He also served as the inspiration for the main character, Dr. Cal Lightman, in the TV series "Lie to me."

Books and Publications

As an author, Paul Ekman has written and co-authored several books, including "Human Face," "Unmasking the Face," "Facial Action Coding System," and "What the Face Reveals." Some of his other notable works include "Telling Lies," "Emotions Revealed," and "Emotional Awareness."

Ekman has also published over 100 articles in various scientific journals, making significant contributions to the field of psychology, especially in the study of emotions, facial expressions, and nonverbal behavior.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Paul Ekman has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of psychology. These include the Faculty Research Lecturer at the University of California, San Francisco in 1983, the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association in 1991, and the William James Fellow Award in 1998. He has also received honorary doctorates from the University of Chicago and Adelphi University.