Welcome to the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development (ISSBD).

It is a great honour and privilege to serve as President of ISSBD, a Society that has played an important role in my academic life and one that has advanced developmental science for more than five decades. Throughout its history, ISSBD has brought together researchers from around the world who are united by scientific excellence, international collaboration, and respect for the diverse cultural contexts in which development unfolds.

I am deeply grateful to my predecessor, Professor Tina Malti, whose leadership strengthened ISSBD’s commitment to a developmental science that cares and contributes to the well-being of individuals, families, and societies. Her presidency leaves our Society well positioned to build on this strong foundation.

As we look to the future, developmental science faces both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Advances in technology, including artificial intelligence, are transforming research and communication, while rapid social change continues to shape the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families across the globe. These developments create new opportunities—and new responsibilities—for our Society.

During the coming years, we will focus on strengthening ISSBD for the future while expanding its contribution to society. Our priorities include enhancing the dissemination of developmental science, preparing for the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, strengthening our governance, supporting excellence in our conferences, and fostering greater collaboration across our committees, regions, and membership. Together, these initiatives will help ensure that ISSBD remains a vibrant, innovative, and globally connected scientific community.

The theme of my presidency—A Society that Cares and Shares—builds on the vision introduced by Professor Tina Malti. During her presidency, care became a defining principle of ISSBD, reflecting our commitment to advancing developmental science that contributes to the well-being of individuals, families, and societies. My goal is to build on this foundation by embracing sharing as an equally important aspiration. Together, caring and sharing express our commitment both to supporting one another as an international community of developmental scientists and to communicating developmental science more effectively with educators, practitioners, policymakers, families, and the wider public. By increasing the visibility, accessibility, and global reach of our science while maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor and cultural sensitivity, we can strengthen its contribution to society.

ISSBD’s greatest strength has always been its members. Our Society thrives because of the dedication, creativity, and generosity of researchers from every region of the world and at every career stage. I look forward to working with our Steering and Executive Committees, ISSBD’s other committees, regional representatives, our senior and longstanding members, Early Career Researchers, and the entire membership as we build on ISSBD’s many strengths and shape the Society’s future together.

Whether you have been part of ISSBD for many years or are joining us for the first time, I warmly invite you to become actively involved in our community. Together, we can build on ISSBD’s remarkable legacy, prepare our Society for the future, and ensure that developmental science continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people around the world.

I look forward to working with you.