Laura Taylor

Laura Taylor is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at University College Dublin (UCD), where she conducts research at the intersection of developmental psychology, peace studies, and intergroup relations. Her work focuses on children and youth in conflict-affected and post-conflict societies, including Northern Ireland, Colombia, Croatia, and Kosovo.

Education:

• PhD in Psychology and Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame
• MA, University of Notre Dame
• MA, University of San Diego
• BA, Haverford College
• Certificate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in University Teaching and Learning, UCD
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching (PGCHET), Queen's University Belfast

Her research centers on risk and resilience processes in youth exposed to political violence, using a developmental psychopathology approach. She investigates how intergroup contact, identity formation, religious cognition, and family dynamics influence prosocial behavior, civic engagement, and peacebuilding. Her projects include longitudinal studies on youth in Belfast, research on European identity in divided societies, and participatory interventions in Colombia.

Her recent publications reveal trends in cross-national prosocial behavior during the pandemic, the role of spatial environments in intergroup contact, and the development of religious and national identities in children. These works span developmental, social, and educational psychology, with strong implications for policy and intervention design.

Scientific Awards:

• Student International Research Award – APA Division 52 (International Psychology)
• Outstanding Early Career Professional Award – APA Division 52
• Ed Cairns Early Career Award – APA Division 48 (Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict)
• Shaheen Award for Top Graduate Student – University of Notre Dame

Laura Taylor has secured funding from the Spencer Foundation, British Academy, Horizon Europe, and others. She mentors students and involves them in sensitive, community-engaged research. She also leads the Developing Belief Network and has conducted program evaluations in public and academic sectors.

Labs and Teams:

• Developing Belief Network (international consortium)
• Helping Kids! research project (cross-cultural prosocial behavior)
• YouthLEAD (marginalized youth in the U.S.)
• Peacebuilding interventions in Colombia (Artesanos de Paz)