Infant and Child Development Lab

Childhood research at Lancaster University: Growing Minds, Big Discoveries

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A baby with an EEG cap on playing with some toys

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Welcome to the Infant and Child Development Lab

Welcome to the Infant and Child Development Lab (ICDL), formerly the Lancaster Babylab. As our research has expanded to include children from prenatal stages through to adolescence, we felt it was time for a name that reflects our broader focus – infants and children.

At the ICDL, we investigate how children grow, learn, and thrive, exploring topics like prenatal development with 4D ultrasounds, language acquisition from sounds and words to sentences and understanding others, hearing, cognitive development, social interactions, and the challenges of adolescence.

Get involved!

We invite families—from expectant parents to those with children up to 14 years old—to join our research community. By signing up for our database, you’ll be notified when a study matches your child’s age and other relevant criteria. Most studies involve just one visit to Lancaster University and typically last less than an hour. We always provide clear information about what to expect.

Register for a study

Our testimonials

A baby with an eeg cap on

August 2024

"Absolutely enjoyed our participation in the study today - though Nell was a bit unsure on the headband (though she hates hats generally anyway)! Would love to take part in more future research. The team were super friendly and lovely."

Jemma, August 2024

A child in a ballpit

July 2024

"Massive thank you we thoroughly enjoyed our visits for the last 7 weeks!"

Lisa, July 2024

Erin wearing an EEG cap

September 2024

"Erin and I thoroughly enjoyed attending the ICLD this morning! Everybody was extremely helpful and friendly, offering to make tea or coffee, and the study was really interesting. My daughter was engaged and happy throughout the study. We even had the added bonus of receiving a free book and t-shirt for taking part!"

Sophie, September 2024

Ivy participating in an experiment run by Sophie Lund

October 2024

Hannah's daughter Ivy really enjoyed participating in the experiment run by researcher Sophie Lund!

Wilbur sat on the knee of a researcher looking at a screen

October 2024

Wilbur also really enjoyed participating in the experiments too!

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Latest news

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Dr Marina Bazhydai, Psychology Department and Joanne Daly, Lancaster University Pre-School Centre

Scientists support creation of engaging teaching resources with Morecambe Bay Curriculum 

Scientists at Lancaster University have been working with the Morecambe Bay Curriculum to empower young people to learn about their local environment.  
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‘Pint of Science’ to quench thirst for knowledge in Morecambe and Lancaster

From the social experiences of babies in the womb to discovering what it’s like to live and work in one of Earth’s most extreme environments – these are just some of the fascinating subjects people can hear about at this year’s Morecambe and Lancaster ‘Pint of Science’ event.
Children and their teacher examining a globe

Lancaster researcher awarded Leverhulme Trust Research Grant for work into curiosity in childhood

Dr Marina Bazhydai of Lancaster’s Psychology Department has been awarded a prestigious Leverhulme Trust Research Grant for her 5-year long project "Curiosity Battery: Developing a new toolkit for primary school children".
Dr Hannah Stewart

Lancaster researcher awarded UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship

Dr Hannah Stewart has been chosen as one of the UK’s most promising research leaders with the award of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship.

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