Developmental Science Research Consortium
The UB Developmental Science Research Consortium is an interdisciplinary group of 25 researchers from the UB Psychology Department, other UB departments and schools, and partner universities. Together, we study the biological, social, cultural, cognitive, and emotional aspects of development across the lifespan.
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
- School readiness and academic achievement
The consortium organizes events open to anyone interested in developmental research, including:
- Brown bag meetings featuring research presentations by students, UB faculty, and invited national and international scholars
- An annual research day (currently in development)
Event Details Coming Soon
We’re busy planning a variety of talks and activities. Check back often to see what's new—we’d love to have you join us!
Developmental science has a long and distinguished history in the UB Department of Psychology.
Early foundations
- The Psychology Department launched its developmental program in 1966.
- The first developmental psychology graduate students were admitted in 1967.
- In 1969, Irving Sigel, formerly of the Merrill–Palmer Institute, became the first head of the program.
- The program thrived throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.
Program changes
By the late 1980s, declining state support—common across many public universities—led to a significant reduction in faculty size at UB. As a result:
- The developmental program was discontinued.
- Developmental faculty joined one of the remaining graduate areas.
Renewed commitment & expansion
In the mid-2000s, under Department Chair Paul Luce:
- UB renewed its commitment to strengthening developmental science.
- New faculty with developmental expertise were hired across the four graduate areas to promote synergy and collaboration.
- The department now includes many faculty members whose research is grounded in developmental theories and frameworks.
- This growth enabled the creation of the Advanced Certificate in Developmental Science for psychology graduate students.
Formation of the consortium
Over time, the developmental science group expanded to include researchers from:
- Other UB departments and schools (e.g., Pediatrics, Learning and Instruction, Nursing)
- Other universities, including Buffalo State University, Canisius University, Pennsylvania State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Vermont
This collaboration led to the establishment of the UB Developmental Science Research Consortium, supporting interdisciplinary research and training across institutions.
UB Psychology Faculty
