Developmental scientists are confronting one of the most consequential periods for federally funded research in recent memory. Proposed and enacted changes to federal science funding, agency priorities, research infrastructure, and policymaking processes are creating uncertainty across the research enterprise, with potentially far-reaching implications for the production and use of knowledge about children, youth, families, and communities.
 

From restructuring within key agencies to new policies that could fundamentally alter how federally funded research is prioritized and conducted, the landscape is changing rapidly.
 

To help SRCD members understand these changes, assess their implications, and engage with colleagues and policymakers, SRCD is hosting a two-part webinar series.

The organizers invite researchers, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers to submit proposals for the 2026 Global Forum, to be held in the Netherlands. This in-person event will bring together international, interdisciplinary voices to advance developmental science that addresses the lives of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents. Submissions may focus on identity development, health and wellbeing, education, families, policy, civic participation, and more—with an emphasis on intersectionality, innovation, and actionable science.
 

Prioritizing Children: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact in Developmental Science

The SRCD 2027 Biennial Meeting will be held April 8-10, 2027 in Atlanta, Georgia (USA). Pre-Conference sessions and activities will take place on April 7, 2027.

Through its biennial meetings, which draw attendees from countries throughout the world, SRCD strives to meet the goal of understanding child development through research while serving as a network and forum for its members and attendees, as stated in SRCD’s strategic goals. Members and attendees include professionals and graduate students in psychology, human development, family studies, education, public policy, sociology, social work, psychiatry, pediatrics, and public health. Attendance at the biennial meetings averages 6,500. 

We hope to see you in Atlanta!

The misuse of data from 20,000+ Black, Latinx, and Asian children raises serious concerns about trust in research. SRCD, alongside the SRCD Black Caucus and 160+ researchers, is calling on NIH to strengthen data protections and accountability.

The newest Child Policy Nexus offers a synthesis of the impacts of state child tax credits. The report finds that state child tax credits can reduce child poverty, increase family resources, and decrease child maltreatment reports, while showing minimal negative effects on labor force participation.

The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) was recently awarded a $200,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to further support the SRCD’s goals to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Society’s scientific publications.

SRCD members recently came to Washington, DC for the first-ever Congressional Briefing and Second Child Policy Connect event. Find out more about their time in the nation’s capital—and how you can get involved.

The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) publishes three journals, as well as the SRCD Child Policy Nexus. SRCD members receive full digital access to all four publications as a benefit of membership. If you are an SRCD member and would like to access the publications, please log in to your SRCD member account.

Wear your commitment to developmental science and SRCD by purchasing some of our merch store offerings: t-shirts, hoodies, clothing for babies and toddlers, tote bags, and more.