The Institute of Human Development is an Organized Research Unit (ORU) at UC Berkeley. ORUs are academic units established to provide a supportive infrastructure for interdisciplinary research–in most cases to promote research not easily accomplished within any single department or school. Characteristically, ORUs cross significant intellectual boundaries and may also be established to serve a compelling campus research priority or need that has been identified through broad campus consultation or strategic planning.

Our academic activities are aligned to our mission: advancing a more integrative transdisciplinary understanding of developmental processes–spanning from basic science to actionable insights that inform real world positive impact. We have two primary programs of research: Early Development & Learning Science and Adolescent Research Collaborative 

The Early Development & Learning Science program is an exciting convergence of research, from neuroscience to economics and policy, and highlights the crucial role of early development and learning (0–8 years) in lifelong health, economic, and social success. Equally important is our emphasis on scientific advances in translating this research into innovative practice and policies. This work involves partnerships—ranging from innovations in training practitioners and policy makers who can leverage these insights into real world advances. Our expanding knowledge base calls for the creation of a dynamic, integrated developmental science program, and close collaborations and partnerships spanning education, public health, and policy. 

The Adolescent Research Collective (ARC) seeks to bring together several disciplinary perspectives to promote a more integrative understanding of developmental science of the second decade of life–in ways that inform real world impact and improve the lives of youth.

We have a strong interest in early adolescence (ages 10-14). This transition from childhood into adolescence begins a period of rapid physical growth, maturational changes, adaptation, and a formative period of social learning and neurobiological development. During this time of dynamic change young lives can pivot rapidly—in negative and positive directions. From a developmental science perspective, there is growing interest in understanding how to target this time of pivotal change as a window of opportunity—to promote positive developmental trajectories of health, education, social, and economic success.