Recognizing 125 Years of Psychological Research Excellence

Tucked away in a corner of the Philosophy Department, Indiana University’s first psychology laboratory opened in 1888 with humble beginnings. But 125 years later, it now stands as the longest continuing psychology laboratory in the United States. Emphasizing a collaborative and interdisciplinary focus from the start, the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS) as a whole now stands as a prime example of cutting-edge and multi-faceted research.

“The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences has an enormous worldwide impact,” said Lauren Robel, Indiana University Bloomington Provost and Executive Vice President. “Its faculty includes renowned scientists and teachers who conduct cutting-edge and highly relevant research on topics ranging from molecular neuroscience to social behavior. Its many undergraduates and graduate students are directly engaged in that research and its alumni apply these critical insights to a broad range of careers. We at Indiana University Bloomington congratulate the department on its illustrious history and know that it will continue to accomplish great things in the future.”

To recognize the 125th anniversary, the University will host a daylong program of festivities, panels, and presentations on October 11 – all aiming to reflect on the history of the PBS and to set the groundwork for the future.

Among the panelists and presenters are many APS members and fellows, including:

Linda Smith: Distinguished and Chancellor’s Professor at IU, Bloomington

Philip Rubin: Principal Assistant Director for Science, Executive Office of the President of the United States

Joseph Steinmetz: Provost, The Ohio State University, and recent president of the Association for Psychological Science

Alan Kraut: Executive Director at the Association for Psychological Science

Richard McFall: Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at IU Bloomington

John Monahan: John S. Shannon Distinguished Professor of Law, Horace W. Goldsmith Research Professor of Law, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatric Medicine, University of Virginia.

William Hetrick: Psychological and Brain Sciences Chair at IU, Bloomington

The talks and presentations will be free and open to the Bloomington community. The deadline for registration is Oct. 4, and registration and a complete schedule are available online.