3-133 - Strengthening Connections Among Research, Policy, and Practice: What is the Role of Higher Education and Training Programs?

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

Over the last decade, developmental scientists have called for efforts to bridge gaps between research, policy, and practice (e.g. Huston, 2005; Shonkoff & Bales, 2011). Likewise, policy-makers’ demand for evidence-based information to make policy decisions has increased. This new enthusiasm, coupled with limited academic jobs (e.g. Schillebeeckx, et al., 2013), has motivated many graduate students and early career scientists to pursue opportunities in non-profit, policy, and applied research sectors of child development.

A small number of training programs (e.g., SRCD Fellows, WT Grant Scholars) and models (e.g. Bogenschneider, et al., 2012) exist for making and sustaining meaningful connections among research and policy/applied settings. These models and programs vary in their training, impact, and target audiences. To date, there is no comprehensive review of these programs, nor a set of standards for guiding content. We assert that an additional need is improved and integrated training at professional organizations and universities on how to be a bridge between these worlds.

This roundtable will provide a forum for lively discussion about students’ and early career members’ preparations for careers in applied developmental science and policy settings, lessons learned, reflections on training programs and institutions, and thoughts on future collaborations between research, policy, and practice in developmental science. Moderator Dr. Katherine Lingras (New York Center for Child Development) will facilitate discussion between panelists Dr. Geoff Nagle (Erikson Institute), Dr. Karen Cadigan (Bloomington-Richfield Public Schools), Dr. Anna Johnson (Georgetown University), and Dr. Kelly Fisher (Science of Learning Institute; Johns Hopkins University).

Sub Unit

• Methods, History, Theory

Moderator

• Katie A. Lingras, Weill Cornell Medical College

Panelists

• Karen Cadigan, University of Minnesota

• Anna D Johnson, Georgetown University

• Kelly Fisher, Johns Hopkins University

• Geoffrey Nagle, Erikson Institute