Dr. Nathan A. Fox stands as a preeminent figure in developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience, holding the distinguished position of University Professor in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology at the University of Maryland College Park. He earned his doctoral degree in Psychology and Social Relations from Harvard University in 1975 following undergraduate studies in Political Science at Williams College. His academic journey began with an assistant professorship at Columbia University from 1978 to 1982 before transitioning to the University of Maryland where he has remained throughout his illustrious career. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, he was awarded the prestigious title of Distinguished University Professor in 2011, reflecting his standing as one of the institution's most accomplished scholars.
Fox has pioneered innovative methodologies for assessing brain activity in infants and young children during emotionally evocative tasks, establishing crucial connections between neural processes and social-emotional development. His groundbreaking research on the biological bases of temperament and emotional behavior has significantly advanced understanding of how early experiences shape developmental trajectories, particularly regarding anxiety disorders. As one of three Principal Investigators for the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, Fox led a landmark longitudinal study examining the profound effects of social deprivation on children abandoned to institutions in Romania, generating transformative insights about the critical importance of early caregiving environments. This influential work, funded by the National Institutes of Health where he received a MERIT award for research excellence, has reshaped global understanding of early brain development and informed evidence-based interventions for vulnerable children worldwide. His scientific contributions have established him as a leading authority on the neural mechanisms underlying emotional regulation and social behavior in early childhood.
Fox's exceptional impact extends beyond his research through his leadership as a founding member and co-Scientific Director of the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, where he has translated scientific findings into actionable policy recommendations. His scholarly excellence has been recognized with election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Psychological Science, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, reflecting his standing among the nation's most influential scientists. Among his numerous accolades, Fox received the Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award from the Society for Research in Child Development alongside the Distinguished Mentor Award and G. Stanley Hall Award for Lifelong Achievement in Developmental Science from the American Psychological Association. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists has shaped developmental psychology through decades of mentorship, influencing countless students and colleagues across the international research community. As evidenced by his selection for the 2025 ISDP Senior Investigator Award, Fox continues to be an active and vital force in advancing scientific understanding of early childhood development.
