Our working thesis is that cutting-edge research in developmental science needs to be grounded in a profound understanding of both “what” develops and “how” development occurs. We aim to understand development from a “whole child” perspective—integrating research across multiple domains (e.g., biological, perceptual, cognitive, affective/emotional, and contextual) and examining the influence of their interactions across development.
Our multidisciplinary Developmental Science program focuses on integrative and translational research that uses a diverse range of methodologies, including: behavioral, clinical, neuroscience, and applied techniques. We have collaborative relationships with the Neuroscience and Behavior Program, the Center for Research on Families, and the Rudd Adoption Research Program. Over the past decade our program also led the Healthy Development Initiative in Springfield, MA, and the cross-department and college Developmental Science Initiative.
