Ross A. Thompson

Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California, Davis, USA

About the author:

I am a developmental psychologist studying parent-child relationships and their influence on the development of emotional understanding, moral development, and self. I also work on the application of developmental science to public policy and am a faculty affiliate of the Center for Poverty Research at the University of California, Davis, US.

What I want to achieve:

I hope my research will contribute to a new appreciation of the importance of the early years for children’s later development and well-being. This has implications for supporting the healthy development of all children, but especially those in adversity.

My previous positions:

  • Carl A. Happold Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Nebraska.

Awards & accomplishments:

  • Ann Brown Award for Excellence in Developmental Research (2007).
  • Urie Bronfenbrenner Award for Lifetime Contributions to Developmental Psychology in the Service of Science and Society from the American Psychological Association (2018).

Other information:

  • President of the Board of Directors, Zero to Three (2015-18)
  • National Board of Advisors, Buffett Early Childhood Institute (2013-present).

Links: