Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science

We carry out research and training in the study of human development from conception to adulthood.

Our research and training is focused on child development and we take a lifespan approach to the study of human development in social contexts.

We deliver an interdisciplinary research approach that unites a developmental science agenda from psychology with knowledge in education, health and social care, bringing contributions from policy and practice stakeholders across these sectors. We also embrace developmental neuroscience approaches with close ties to the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC).

We work closely with intervention scientists and policymakers in Welsh Government and have the capacity to translate rigorous research into effective interventions and policy guidelines that can improve people’s quality of life.

Facilities

We are based in the Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS) - a state of the art facility containing specially designed laboratory space for studies of children and adults.

Our facilities include:

sensory room
observation labs
neuroimaging labs - electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Neurodevelopment Assessment Unit (NDAU) (Waterloo Foundation-funded unit for children referred with developmental issues)
eye tracking (mobile screen-based and head-mounted)
dedicated teaching space

Research

CUCHDS has brought together well-established research groups and programmes into one centre for better research collaboration. Key groups and programmes include:

This collaborative environment is conductive to hosting undergraduate and postgraduate training and programmes including:

Undergraduate placements
Undergraduate summer internships
MSc in Children's Psychological Disorders
The Educational Psychology Doctoral Training Programme
PhD in Psychology (Developmental Science)

Impact

Through our Wales Adoption Cohort Study, we have provided evidence for the design, implementation and evaluation of the Adopting Together Service.
Computerised emotion training is now offered to 5-7 year olds who have come through the Neuro-Development Assessment Unit (NDAU) to improve psychosocial functioning in children with emotional and behavioural problems. It also is used in intervention and prevention programmes in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.