Prof. Dr. Stefan Bogaerts Appointed Section Editor-in-Chief of Section “Developmental Psychology” in Behavioral Sciences

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Stefan Bogaerts as the new Section Editor-in-Chief of the “Developmental Psychology” Section of Behavioral Sciences ( ISSN: 2076-328X).

Name: Prof. Dr. Stefan Bogaerts

Affiliation: Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, 5037 Tilburg, Netherlands

Interests: psychopathology; developmental psychopathology; forensic psychology; developmental psychology; clinical psychology; behavioral change; treatment; risk assessment

Prof. Dr. Stefan Bogaerts is a full professor of Developmental Psychopathology and Forensic Psychology at the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Tilburg University, Netherlands, where he has also served as Chair of the Department of Developmental Psychology since 2020. He is trained as a psychologist, criminologist, and psychotherapist in Belgium and England and obtained his Ph.D. in 2001. His research focuses on developmental psychopathology in relation to both internalizing and externalizing behavior, with particular attention to behavioral change, life course transitions, and criminal behavior. Prof. Dr. Bogaerts employs a multimethod approach, including self-report measures, qualitative methods, and physiological assessments. He is involved in innovative applications of technology, such as virtual reality, in the treatment of vulnerable populations. In addition to his academic work, he is active in the forensic field, serving as national chair of the accreditation committee for judicial behavioral interventions in the Netherlands and as a member of the advisory board for conditional release. He is affiliated with Fivoor, where he focuses on research and innovation in forensic care. Prof. Dr. Bogaerts attaches great importance to team science, emphasizing collaboration between researchers and stakeholders with diverse areas of expertise. He believes that interdisciplinary cooperation is essential for better understanding and effectively addressing complex issues in developmental psychopathology and forensic psychology. Through team science, he promotes knowledge sharing, innovation, and the development of new methodological approaches, leading to scientific breakthroughs and practical applications in forensic care and the treatment of vulnerable groups.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Stefan Bogaerts, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views on this area of research and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role of Section Editor-in-Chief?

The journal Behavioral Sciences, especially the “Developmental Psychology” Section, stands out for its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through interdisciplinary research. What appeals to me is the journal’s openness to innovative methodologies and its emphasis on the integration of developmental and behavioral sciences. This aligns closely with my own research philosophy, where I prioritize not only understanding complex developmental trajectories but also exploring the dynamic interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors that shape behavior across the lifespan. Behavioral Sciences offers a platform that values both theoretical and applied contributions, fostering dialogue between academia and practice. This dual focus is important in fields like developmental psychology, where insights can directly inform interventions, policy, and care for diverse populations, including vulnerable groups. As Editor-in-Chief, I see a unique opportunity to further elevate the journal’s profile by facilitating rigorous, innovative research that addresses real-world challenges and fosters inclusivity and diversity within developmental psychology. I am excited to contribute to shaping the future direction of Behavioral Sciences, ensuring it remains a leading voice in understanding human development and behavior.

2. What is your vision for the journal and Section?

My vision for Behavioral Sciences, or rather, my wish, is quite ambitious. The journal should not only publish excellent scientific work but also actively shape the future of developmental psychology by embracing innovative methods and forging connections with diverse disciplines, such as neuroscience, clinical and cognitive psychology, sociology, cultural studies, data science, and public health. Moreover, the journal should truly establish a link with society. I envision a journal where multi-method research becomes the norm: for example, integrating longitudinal designs, neurobiological assessments, and digital tools. At its core, the journal should emphasize a comprehensive life-course perspective, with attention not only to challenges but also to positive aspects like resilience. In a world facing mental health crises, technological disruption, and social inequality, Behavioral Sciences should serve as a catalyst for innovative solutions. Furthermore, I want to be inspired by the many authors who will publish in the journal.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?

The future of developmental psychology lies in its connection with other disciplines, such as neuroscience, sociology, cultural studies, data science, and public health. This interdisciplinary integration is essential to capture the complexity of human development in a rapidly changing world. Moreover, there needs to be a stronger emphasis on multi-method research, combining longitudinal studies, qualitative insights, neurobiological measures, and advanced data modeling to offer richer, more comprehensive perspectives. It is also crucial to place greater emphasis on the entire lifespan, focusing on development and transitions across all life stages, from early childhood to old age. The reason for this is simple: human life is a continuous interplay between growth and development, setbacks, recovery, emotion regulation, and growth. This broader, integrative scope is now indispensable for addressing complex global challenges such as mental health crises, social inequality, and the effects of technological change on human behavior.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?

I see the development of open access in the publishing field as a positive shift. By making research freely available to everyone, it democratizes knowledge, accelerates scientific discovery, and ensures that innovations in fields like developmental psychology and behavioral sciences can reach practitioners, policymakers, and the broader public. Open access fosters global collaboration, especially benefiting researchers in under-resourced regions who might not have access to expensive subscriptions. However, there is also a note of caution. The growing emphasis on open access has created financial pressures for authors, with some high publication fees potentially limiting participation, particularly for early-career researchers or those from institutions with fewer resources. To ensure the long-term success of open access, the academic community must work towards equitable funding models and mechanisms to support inclusivity and diversity, so that high-quality research can be disseminated widely without undue financial barriers.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Stefan Bogaerts to his new role as Section Editor-in-Chief, and we look forward to him leading the “Developmental Psychology” Section to achieve many more milestones.