Fellow status in SRA is an honorary designation awarded to members who have made distinguished scholarly contributions to the field of adolescent development and the social sciences. The designation recognizes significant achievement in research, teaching, practice, and/or service that has advanced understanding of human development, improved public welfare, and furthered SRA's mission. Fellows have a proven track record of high-impact research, contributing significantly to the scientific knowledge base and advancing theoretical understanding and/or practical applications in the field. Publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at major conferences, and/or involvement in key policy work related to adolescent development are required.

Inaugural Cohort (2026)
TBA

How are Fellows selected?

There are several steps in the Fellows selection process, which is governed by a Selection Committee composed of SRA Leadership and current Fellows. Only members of SRA who are in good standing and have been members for three consecutive years immediately prior to their application are eligible to be nominated. The applicant/nominee must submit a CV, personal statement, and contact information for 3 endorsers. Evidence of distinguished scholarly contribution to developmental science should be detailed in the personal statement.

The Committee reviews all applications. Each class of Fellows is unique, and there is no minimum or maximum class size.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Fellow status, candidates must demonstrate a sustained and significant contribution to the field of adolescent research, with a focus on advancing understanding, treatment, and outcomes for adolescents. Specifically, the following criteria must be met:

Outstanding Research Contributions in Adolescent Health and Development:

  • The candidate must have a proven track record of independent, high-impact research focused on adolescent health, development, or well-being.

  • Research must have contributed significantly to the scientific knowledge base, advancing both theoretical understanding and practical applications in the field.

  • Publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at major conferences, or involvement in key policy work related to adolescent health or development are required.

Leadership in Adolescent Research:

  • The candidate must have demonstrated leadership in guiding or mentoring others in adolescent research, including training and supervising junior researchers, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, teachers/practitioners, and community members.

  • Active participation in collaborative research teams, consortia, or multidisciplinary efforts that focus on adolescent populations is required.

Commitment to Advancing the Field:

  • The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to continued excellence in adolescent research, as evidenced by active involvement in mentorship and/or in ongoing or upcoming studies that address critical issues facing adolescents, particularly in underserved or at-risk populations.

 What Do the Fellows Do?

Once selected, Fellows are expected to remain high-level contributors to SRA. Additionally, Fellows of SRA are required to maintain active membership in the Society. Fellows will also be invited to serve in various roles as authors, speakers, mentors, volunteer leaders, policy advocacy supporters, and strategic conversations for SRA, SRA programs, conference events, and SRA publications.