FEHD is honored to host Prof Gustavo Carlo from the University of California, Irvine, as our Visiting Professor from 20 to 27 October 2025. Prof Carlo’s primary research focuses on understanding positive social development and health among culturally diverse children and adolescents.
On 22 October, he delivered a hybrid lecture titled Healthy Social Development Across Childhood and Adolescence. The event attracted over 200 academics and students both onsite and online. Prof Carlo shared insights from his more than 30 years of research, emphasising the crucial role of family and caregivers in fostering resilient and well-adjusted youth. His presentation offered practical strategies to promote healthy social growth and highlighted protective factors that shield young people from risks, enriching our understanding of positive development. Following the lecture, a panel of FEHD academics—including Prof Eva Lau (ECE, panel chair), Dr Jianbin Li (ECE), Dr Liman Li (PS), and Dr Norman Mendoza (C&I)—engaged in a meaningful discussion with Prof Carlo.
Prof Carlo also delivered two engaging seminars. On 21 October, he discussed Altruism to Reduce Discrimination and Prejudice in Schools, exploring how fostering altruism can promote kindness and reduce bias among students. On 23 October, he presented Publishing in Major Research Journals in the Social Sciences, offering valuable tips for scholars on navigating the publication process, responding to reviewers, and increasing research impact.
During his visit, Prof Carlo actively engaged with faculty and students through individual consultations and meetings. He advised early-career researchers on strategies for preparing for the Research Assessment Exercise, providing practical guidance to support their research development. His expertise in positive social development and multicultural youth research fostered meaningful interactions and knowledge exchange.
Prof Carlo’s visit exemplifies FEHD’s commitment to enhancing research excellence and fostering collaborative opportunities. We look forward to continuing these fruitful exchanges with visiting professors through the ongoing Distinguished Visiting Professors series.
