Overview

Whether walking through a park, learning something new, or working with new technologies—everyday experiences shape how we feel, act, and change. A walk in nature can reduce stress; physical activity supports healthy aging; Artificial Intelligence excites some and unsettles others. Why is this the case, and what does it mean for us as individuals and as a society?

At the MPI for Human Development, we seek to understand how and why people develop differently over the course of their lives, how their environments influence this development, and how the relevant factors interact. Our researchers come from psychology, neuroscience, computer science, economics, sociology, and other fields, united by an interest in human behavior.

We aim to generate knowledge that helps shape living conditions in ways that allow people of all ages and backgrounds to realize their potential. To this end, we conduct fundamental research on individuals' behavior, development, and competencies in relation to the social, physical, and technological aspects of their environment—building on pioneering research methods and close local and international collaboration.