led by Dr Maheen Siddiqui
The Diversity in Developmental Science Network is an initiative dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and representation within developmental psychology and neuroscience. Our network brings together researchers, practitioners, and communities to promote inclusive research practices, support career development, and strengthen engagement with diverse populations.
Our Aims
Academic Promotion of Diversity
We aim to encourage inclusivity, representation, and equity among researchers in developmental psychology and neuroscience. Through seminars, workshops, and shared resources, we provide opportunities for professional development and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Advocacy for Inclusive Research
We promote research methodologies that integrate diverse perspectives, cultures, and lived experiences. Our goal is to ensure that developmental science is representative and applicable across global and underrepresented populations.
Community Engagement and Awareness
We actively engage with community settings, including children’s centres, nurseries, and schools, to communicate the value of developmental research. We also work with parents and caregivers to support inclusive participation in research and foster a broader understanding of human development across diverse contexts.
Our Team
Team Lead:
Dr Maheen Siddiqui (CBCD, Birkbeck)
Core Team:
Dr Rianne Haartsen (CBCD, Birkbeck)
Anna Gui (University of Rome Tor Vergata; CBCD Affiliated)
Ana Portugal (CIPsi, University of Minho; CBCD Affiliated)
Dr Chiara Bulgarelli (CBCD, Birkbeck)
Roksana Seif Amirhosseini (CBCD, Birkbeck)
Anita Song (CBCD, Birkbeck)
Events and Activities
We organise seminars, participatory research activities, conferences, and workshops aimed at promoting inclusive developmental science.
Shades of Science Seminar Series
The Shades of Science seminar series celebrates diversity in academia by highlighting the experiences of ethnic minority researchers in developmental psychology and neuroscience. It promotes reflection on equity, cross-cultural research, and systemic change within academia.
Diversity in Developmental Science Conference 2026
A one-day conference focused on advancing inclusive research practices in developmental science.
Participatory Research and Focus Groups
We conduct participatory research activities and focus groups to ensure that community voices inform developmental science and research design.
Get Involved
We welcome researchers, students, practitioners, and community members who are interested in promoting inclusive and equitable developmental science.
👉 Join the network:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/9Xu0Wc0UFV
👉 Visit our website:
https://sites.google.com/view/diversityindevsci/home