Announcing the Development 2026 Invited Program

Keynote Lectures

The first keynote address will be delivered on June 2nd by Dr. Mara Brendgen. The Pickering Lecture, our second keynote address, will be delivered on June 3rd by Dr. Daniel Ansari, recipient of the 2026 Pickering Award for Outstanding Contribution to Developmental Psychology in Canada.

Mara Brendgen, Ph.D.
Professor
Université du Québec à Montréal

Daniel Ansari, Ph.D.
Professor and Canada Research Chair
Western University

CERC in Developmental Science Invited Symposium: Canadian Researchers Addressing Real-World Challenges for Children and Families

Invited Symposium Chair: Sara Hart, Ph.D. Canada Excellence Research Chair in Developmental Science, University of Waterloo

Presenters:

Jennifer Khoury, Ph.D. Tier II Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Studies in Neuroscience, Mount Saint Vincent University

Paweena Sukhawathanakul, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, University of Victoria

Ashley Chung-Fat-Yim, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba

Katherine T. Cost, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, University of Waterloo

This invited symposium, sponsored by the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Developmental Science, showcases innovative research from four emerging scholars whose work spans critical areas of developmental science across Canada. From understanding early brain development and neurodevelopmental risk, to fostering positive youth development and social responsibility, to examining how children navigate complex social and linguistic environments, to identifying predictors of mental health trajectories, these scholars are generating research with direct implications for supporting children’s wellbeing. Their work exemplifies developmental scientists who bridge basic science and real-world application, using cutting-edge methods to address pressing questions facing Canadian families.

Small Humans and Smart Machines: Researching Childhood in the Age of AI

Invited Panel Discussion Chair: Shaylene Nancekivell, Ph.D. Associate Professor, University of Manitoba

Presenters:

Katelin Neufeld, Ph.D. Researcher, Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Sara Grimes, Ph.D. Professor and Wolfe Chair in Scientific and Technological Literacy, McGill University

This interdisciplinary panel will explore how children understand, engage with, and form beliefs about generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Panelists will discuss practical, methodological, and theoretical considerations for studying children and AI. The session aims to highlight open questions, share best practices, and inspire new research in this growing area among developmental scientists. The panel will be structured as a moderated Q&A, followed by an open discussion with the audience.

Stay tuned for more information about our invited program, including details of a Keynote lecture by the upcoming recipient of the 2026 Pickering Award for Outstanding Contribution to Developmental Psychology in Canada.

Abstract Submissions Now Closed

Development 2026: A Canadian Conference on Developmental Psychology will take place from June 2-3 in Montreal, at the Westin Hotel, the two days prior to the Canadian Psychological Association’s 2026 Annual Convention.

We anticipate an exciting program of symposia, posters, flash talks, and keynote lectures, all to be announced in the coming months. Attendees at Development 2026 will also be able to enjoy a 10% discount off their CPA registration fee if they choose to stay for both conferences!

Watch this space for more details including registration fees, accommodations, and more.

Past Conferences

Accommodations

Development 2026 has set aside a limited number of rooms at the Westin Hotel at the special conference rate of $279 per night, negotiated by the CPA. Book your accommodations as early as possible to secure your room at the group rate: https://convention.cpa.ca/accommodations/