We ask the question: How can our science improve lives?

Many of us are drawn to the study and teaching of human development because we care deeply about improving lives and making a difference in the human experience. However, while we’re trained to ask important questions and conduct rigorous research, we rarely focus on turning the research into something that truly impacts people’s everyday lives. To make a real difference, we need to move beyond the academy and find ways to translate our work into actionable insights for educators, policymakers, families/caregivers, and communities. 

To  help explore how developmental science can be more effective in improving the diverse human experience, the invited theme for 2025 focuses on using Developmental Science for the Public Good. Keynote speakers and invited symposia/panels will highlight research and teaching that meaningfully impacts diverse communities. One focus will be on translating research for real-world use, ensuring that findings reach families, educators, and policymakers in accessible ways. Because improving communities involves engaging with communities from the beginning, the theme will also highlight community-engaged scholarship across the globe, underscoring ethical obligations in research, participatory action research, and the importance of amplifying youth voices. Speakers will highlight innovative methods, including applied research and intervention science, and will emphasize diversifying our curricula to make developmental research more inclusive and accessible.

The 12th Biennial SSHD Conference welcomes submissions examining this year’s theme of “Developmental Science for the Public Good”.  However, submissions are not restricted to this theme – symposia and poster submissions are welcome on any aspect of development, at any stage of the life span or life course.  The program committee also encourages contributions that advance the Society’s Diversity Science Initiative and Emerging Scholars.

Important Dates: