Lab focus:
The Developmental Interest Group (DIG) focuses on child development. This includes those using developmental research methods, those working in developmental science, and those targeting young people for engagement activities. Child development is an essential aspect of human life, shaped and influenced by the environment. Studying child development and including young people in scientific dissemination is crucial for understanding research across the lifespan, individual contributions to broader society, industry, and economic growth, and for providing insights into policy development and change.
Research themes/ongoing projects:
Developmental research requires an ethical methodological approach that utilises strengths from across disciplines and contexts with individuals from diverse global communities. DIG’s ongoing goals aim first to facilitate collaborative (across levels, disciplines, Schools, and campuses) cross-cultural research and projects in developmental science for staff and students working with outside practitioners. Second, to provide training, support, and empowerment to others (at all stages) who have an interest in working with children (research and engagement) but don’t know where to begin. And finally, to create a network of researchers and organisational partners (including schoolteachers, nursery workers, healthcare professionals, etc.) who meet to share expertise, knowledge, and experience.
| Name | Position and campus |
|---|---|
| Dr Emily Messer (Lab Head) | Assistant Professor & Developmental Psychologist (Edinburgh campus) |
| Dr Mark Atkinson (Deputy Head) | Assistant Professor & Social / Experimental Psychologist (Edinburgh campus) |
| Dr Pik Ki Ho | Assistant Professor & Cognitive Psychologist (Dubai campus) |
| Dr Wei Lin Poh | Assistant Professor & Cognitive Psychologist (Malaysia campus) |
| Dr Laras Yuniarto | Assistant Professor & Developmental Psychologist (Edinburgh campus) |
| Dr Rachael Hulme | Assistant Professor & Experimental Psychologist (Edinburgh campus) |
| Ms Hiva Javadian | PhD Student/ Developmental Psychologist (Edinburgh Campus) |
| Name | Discipline & role |
|---|---|
| Ms Rebecca Donnelly | EPS PhD Student |
| Ms Sarah Goulding | LINCS – CTISS PhD Student |
| Professor Helen Bridle | EPS Professor |
| Dr Elma Charalampidou | EGIS Assistant Professor |
| Mr Lee McMahon | Chemistry PhD Student and Technical Service Staff |
| Ms Helen Stocks | Psychology Research Assistant |
| Dr Samanatha Clark | HWU Engage, Academic Liaison and Outreach Team Manager |
| Ms Camilla Irvine-Fortescue | HWU Engage, Responsible Impact Specialist |
| Mx Emily Brown | HWU Engage, Schools Outreach Officer |
| Ms Emilie Dufresne | HWU Engage, Stem School Project Coordinator |
