Regional Representative Spotlight: Interview with Zhu Liqi, PhD.

In this Regional Representative Spotlight, we focus on Zhu Liqi, PhD, a Professor at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. Her research focuses on children’s cognitive development and social behaviour. Professor Zhu is also China’s regional coordinator and Executive Committee Member of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD).

Can you tell us about your educational background and how your journey led you to specialise in developmental science?

My journey into developmental science started from an early dream to become a primary school teacher simply because I like young children. My education finally led me to be a college professor (currently at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences), but my passion for being with young children never stopped. I got my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I then pursued a master’s and a doctoral degree in developmental psychology. My postgraduate studies were completed at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in China. After completing my Ph.D., I got an assistant professor position at the Department of Developmental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, CAS, where I have been working to date. 

In my early career, I was lucky to participate in the LIFE program, an international program sponsored by the Max Planck Society. This program trains students and young researchers to study human development across the lifespan. Communicating with eminent developmentalists from the Max-Planck Institute for Human Development and the University of Michigan during this program was particularly enlightening. Attending this program provided me with invaluable networking opportunities. This experience helped my career in developmental science in the long run.

Could you share a few highlights from your career that showcase your significant contributions to the field?

Throughout my career, I believe I have made some meaningful contributions to developmental science. My work is mainly on children’s cognitive development and social behaviour. For example, I conducted a series of studies on children’s naïve biology. The findings were translated into a public platform during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was widely read, helping parents to discuss disease and death with their children during those difficult times. I also led a longitudinal study examining the impact of early childhood education on cognitive and social-emotional development in rural China. Our findings were published in prestigious journals and presented at key conferences.

I have actively worked to support evidence-based policies to support child development. I was involved in a national program supported by the China Education Commission and UNICEF. This program focused on improving the quality of early childhood education in China. We developed ‘Guidelines for the Learning and Development of 3–6-Year-Old Children in China’. These guidelines are now widely used in kindergartens in China.

Moreover, I have supervised PhD students and early-career researchers. Several of my students are now associate professors at universities in China. Others are doing their postdoctoral research in Germany or the U.S. and making contributions to the field themselves. 

As a Regional Representative, what motivated you to take on this role, and what do you hope to achieve in this position?

I took on the role of Regional Representative from Prof. Huichang Chen, the former Regional Representative in China. Prof. Chen did an excellent job connecting Chinese scholars and scholars in the ISSBD society. I wish to advance his work and make a meaningful impact in China. I aim to increase the visibility and recognition of my colleagues’ work in developmental science by recruiting more Chinese members to join ISSBD and encouraging them to actively participate in ISSBD activities. To achieve this, I’ve built a strong network of developmentalists in my region via WeChat, which is China’s most popular social media platform. The Wechat group created opportunities for collaboration and information exchange. I aim to develop an active and friendly community of developmental psychologists in China.

How do you envision fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among developmentalists in your region/country?

I believe facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among developmentalists is essential for advancing the field of developmental science. As I said, I established a regional network of ISSBD members to facilitate regular communication and information-sharing. For example, I send ISSBD announcements on this platform and remind our members to update their membership and to vote etc. This virtual community can be particularly valuable for efficiently connecting researchers in developmental psychology nationwide. My work cannot be accomplished solely by myself. I am collaborating with the Division of Developmental Psychology within the Chinese Psychological Society, who are supportive of my role as Regional Representative. Many committee members in this division are also members of ISSBD. I wish to enhance collaboration between the two organisations in the future.

What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities for promoting developmental science in your region, and how do you plan to address them?

One of the challenges to promoting developmental science in China is the limited research funding for behavioural studies compared to neuroscience studies. However, I think there are still opportunities. For example, China has a rich cultural diversity. It offers a unique context for studying developmental processes across different backgrounds. By conducting cross-cultural studies, we can contribute to a more global understanding of human development, potentially leading to good publications and educational practices. This, in turn, may attract more support and resources for our research.

In your opinion, why is it important for researchers and professionals in your region/country to engage with the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development?

Joining ISSBD is a good opportunity for researchers in China. It provides a platform for communicating with leading experts around the world. ISSBD offers access to new research through its journal, newsletter, and conferences. By staying updated with the latest findings and methodologies, researchers can improve the quality of their own work. ISSBD also provides opportunities for professional growth and development, such as awards to attend conferences and helping them build networks with peers so as to advance their careers in the long run. These benefits have attracted over 100 ISSBD members in China. 

What advice would you give to young researchers or students interested in pursuing a career in developmental science?

For young researchers or students, I would say building a strong foundation in psychology and related methodologies is a precondition. Networking is also important;  I personally benefit greatly from the international networking provided by ISSBD. Attending conferences and workshops to connect with established researchers is highly helpful. Chinese young researchers may tend to be more reserved in such settings, particularly when English is not our native language. but it’s important to be active in communication. Don’t hesitate to reach out to renowned psychologists at these events. My experience is that they often appreciate genuine interest and discussion, regardless of language proficiency. Developing strong communication skills is also important; being able to effectively convey research findings is important to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Can you share a memorable experience or connection made through ISSBD that has been significant for you?

One memorable experience through ISSBD was my first time attending the biennial meeting in Ottawa, Canada. Thanks to ISSBD for offering me some travel awards. I have many good memories of the conference. I was nervous when presenting my own research in front of international scholars.  After my presentation, there was a lively discussion, and I got valuable feedback from renowned experts in the field. This experience significantly boosted my confidence. During the conference,  I also connected with a senior researcher whose work I cited a lot. We have since kept in touch and collaborated on research projects and publications. This experience set a good start for my rich international collaborations later. 

How do you typically unwind or relax after a busy day or week of work?

I do activities that help me relax. I like to practise yoga or the Eight Section Brocade. These exercises can be practised by almost anyone, as they do not have a specified threshold. The Eight Section Brocade is known as Ba Duan Jin in Chinese. It is a traditional form of qigong exercise. It helps to reduce body tension and anxiety. Additionally, I may go for a walk in the Olympic Park nearby, which helps me relax my mind. I also like to spend time with friends and family, whether chatting face-to-face or online via WeChat. These connections make me happy and relaxed. I believe work-life balance is important.