The Science of Connection
UCLA Magazine February 12, 2026
The UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent was featured in a new UCLA Magazine article highlighting the different UCLA researchers and Centers studying human connection. “Adolescents seek out bonding with other people,” said Adriana Galvan, our co-executive director. “During this time, our brains are reshaping themselves in a way that facilitates bonding. We are better at reading facial expressions, identifying what someone is feeling, and taking someone else’s perspective.”
Recent News
April 20, 2026
The UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent was cited in a New America article highlighting organizations and research that have supported the National Commission on Learning Ecosystems’ understanding of adolescent development and how to build ecosystems that support young people. The National Commission on Learning Ecosystems is a two-year initiative, announced in February 2026, that focuses on making stronger connections between U.S. public schools and out-of-school programs.
April 16, 2026
The Wallace Foundation interviews CDA’s Co-Executive Director Adriana Galvan for an article on how adolescent brain development shapes risk-taking and learning, and why relationships, exploration, and access to out-of-school-time opportunities matter for developing adolescents.
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