Developmental Science Research Consortium
Studying how we grow, learn and change
The UB Developmental Science Research Consortium brings together more than 25 researchers from psychology, education, pediatrics, nursing and partner universities. Our work looks at development across the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood, through biological, social, cultural, cognitive and emotional perspectives.
Our developmental scientists investigate a wide range of topics, including:
- Problem behavior and psychopathology
- Substance use and addiction
- Social and emotional development
- Healthy eating in children
- Language acquisition and language disorders
- Self-transcendence and well-being
- School readiness and academic achievement
The consortium hosts events for anyone interested in developmental research, including:
- An annual research day (in development)
- Brown bag presentations featuring UB students, faculty and invited national and international scholars
Brown bag schedule
You are welcome to join us at our upcoming meetings:
March 26: Faculty presentations, 3:30-4:45pm in 280 Park Hall
April 23: Doctoral student presentations, 3:30-4:45pm in 280 Park Hall
Early foundations
- UB launched its developmental program in 1966
- The first graduate students enrolled in 1967
- Irving Sigel, previously of the Merrill Palmer Institute, became program head in 1969
- The program thrived through the 1970s and early 1980s
Program changes
By the late 1980s, reduced state support led to a smaller faculty, and the stand-alone developmental program was discontinued. Developmental faculty joined the remaining graduate areas.
Renewed commitment & expansion
In the mid-2000s, under Department Chair Paul Luce, UB renewed its investment in developmental science. New faculty were hired across all graduate areas, bringing developmental expertise back into the department.
This growth supported the creation of the Advanced Certificate in Developmental Science for psychology graduate students.
Formation of the consortium
As developmental researchers across UB and other institutions connected, a collaborative network emerged. Today, the consortium includes faculty from:
- UB departments and schools, including Pediatrics, Learning and Instruction and Nursing
- Partner universities such as Buffalo State University, Canisius University, Pennsylvania State University, Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Vermont
This group now supports interdisciplinary research and training across institutions.
UB Psychology Faculty
Interested in studying human development or getting involved in collaborative research?
