Objective: Strengthen global collaboration among developmental scientists to influence policy and practice by expanding topical networks or special interest groups.

One of the aims of ICDSS is to bring together developmental scientists from across the globe on relevant topics to create meaningful change in policy and practice. In previous years ICDSS has explored topics such as sustainability, migration and early
childhood adversity. As we face increasing global challenges in the current geopolitical climate, it is essential for ICDSS to unite researchers worldwide to make an impact on pressing issues such as climate change, gender equality, health and environmental sustainability. Such topical networks have the potential to unite researchers worldwide and to capitalize on making change. They also could engage early career researchers who are instrumental in shaping the future of our field.

Moving forward, ICDSS aims to develop more of these topic-based networks, thereby building connections between member societies, connecting researchers and building a stronger global community. Potential additional SIGs could focus for example on development and migration or SGD individuals.

Advantages for ICDSS and SIGs

  • ICDSS can point to SIGs as a way it realizes its purpose of fostering advancements in developmental science topics by bringing together researchers across human development societies and contexts, focusing on key themes and including a focus on advocacy
  • SIGs can find an “institutional home” in ICDSS that allows them to have a bank account and more sustainable future embedded in a registered organization
  • SIGs can more easily interact with ICDSS’s member societies, and through ICDSS connect to researchers with expertise in these topics across member societies 
  • Efficient communication about SIG initiatives to all member societies
  • ICDSS could support policy impact through collaboration grants that focus on working with policymakers and producing research reports that can influence public policy. These grants could include mentoring opportunities for mid-career academics, and help to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical, actionable solutions to global challenges.
  • SIGs will be able to organize joint conference symposia, special issues, or related activities with ICDSS.

Developmental Scientists for Climate Action (DevSCA )

Developmental Scientists for Climate Action (DevSCA) is a network that unites developmentalists, educators, and practitioners concerned with the impacts of climate change on human development. It aims examine how climate change affects human development throughout the lifespan and how people can act to avoid climate catastrophe—with the goal of using this knowledge to advocate for policy change.

Its purposes are to provide an avenue for communication and collaboration among developmental scientists, build empirical and theoretical understanding of the issues involved, and use this information to inform advocacy for action. 

Climate change is affecting human development across the globe.  The effects occur at every point in the lifespan, from the prenatal period to old age, and they threaten the health and wellbeing of current and future generations in many ways. For example, extreme weather events such as floods and wildfires, and slower-acting climate changes such as droughts and sea level rise, cause deaths, injuries, ill-health and psychological trauma; disrupt family and community support systems; reduce access to basic needs including food, clean water and shelter; destroy infrastructure for health, education and social services; and lead to forced migration or relocation. People’s awareness of current and future climate disruption is also creating significant psychological distress. 

More attention needs to be given to the implications of climate change for human development. Developmental scientists – researchers, educators, and practitioners trained in multiple disciplines and concerned with contextual influences on development and wellbeing across the life course and across generations – have much to offer in this effort.