Review EPSY 2025 & Developmental Psychology Day
In September 2025, we were delighted to host the 26th Conference of the Developmental Psychology Section (EPSY 2025) at Justus Liebig University Giessen. Around 170 nationally and internationally renowned researchers came to Giessen to present and discuss their research on the theme “Developmental Cascades.”
The conference offered a diverse scientific program featuring symposia, presentations, poster sessions, and workshops, accompanied by numerous opportunities for professional exchange and networking.
A particular highlight were the invited keynote lectures by internationally renowned scholars. Prof. Linda B. Smith (Indiana University, Bloomington) spoke about new perspectives on how action-induced experiences influence the development of vision. Prof. Denis Mareschal (Birkbeck, University of London) addressed the challenges and opportunities of a developmental psychology that more strongly takes natural contexts into account. Prof. Brigitte Röder (University of Hamburg) provided vivid insights into neuroscientific findings on the so-called “sleeper effect,” in which experience-based influences on brain development become apparent only after a delay. Finally, Prof. Anu Sharma (University of Colorado Boulder) gave an impressive overview of research on the effects of cochlear implants and hearing aids on brain plasticity.
First Day of Developmental Psychology for the Public
Following the conference, on September 4, 2025, the first-ever “Day of Developmental Psychology” took place in the facilities of Philosophikum I at JLU. This new event format aims to make developmental psychology research visible and accessible to the general public.
To this end, researchers from various developmental psychology laboratories (Münster, Tübingen, Leipzig, and Kassel) offered engaging and accessible short talks providing insights into their research. The focus was on topics such as the development of friendships and learning strategies for long-term retention.
In addition, various local institutions from Giessen dedicated to promoting child development presented their work at interactive and informational booths. Participants included the Mathematikum Gießen, the Musikschule Gießen, the Mal- und Kunstschule Gießen and babySignal, which focuses on gesture and language development in infants and young children. Through interactive experiments, visitors were able to experience developmental psychology research “hands-on.”
We would like to thank all participants, speakers, supporters, and contributors who made EPSY 2025 and the Day of Developmental Psychology in Giessen such a special experience. Your commitment and curiosity played a crucial role in making science come alive and accessible.
