The Harvard Children's Initiative is presenting an invitational conference as its inaugural event. "Getting It Right about Children's Development: The Influences of Nurture and Nature" will be held at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Cambridge on Friday, Feb. 5.

Approximately 200 participants are expected, including Harvard faculty from the Cambridge and Medical Area campuses, students, journalists, and local government officials, as well as representatives from many community organizations that serve children.

The discussions will offer a contemporary view of some of the major social, psychological, and health problems facing children, and of the many factors influencing child development.

Mary Jo Bane, the Thornton Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy and Management at the Kennedy School of Government and chair of the Harvard Children's Initiative Faculty Steering Committee, says, "Our goal is to reach a richer understanding of the biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural influences on children's development and how best to put that knowledge to work on behalf of children."

In addition, participants will consider directions for future research and policymaking, and discuss possible collaborations with researchers and practitioners attending the conference.