Group Zuber: Variability and Plasticity in Lifespan Development (V+Life)

The Variability and Plasticity in Lifespan Development (V+Life) research group investigates how everyday-relevant cognitive abilities—such as prospective memory, executive functions, and other key processes—are shaped by individual experiences and environments throughout life. Our research focuses on the malleability of these cognitive functions and how they contribute to learning, adaptation, and development across the lifespan. Central to our work is the investigation of inter- and intra-individual differences, as well as the influence of assessment contexts and measurement tools on cognitive performance.
Our research has three primary goals:

1. Understanding variability in lifespan development
   We aim to uncover the core factors that drive variability in human development, both between individuals and within individuals over time. By studying the dynamic nature of cognitive abilities, we seek to gain deeper insight into how people adapt to challenges and how vulnerabilities arise, ultimately influencing longitudinal trajectories of wellbeing and real-life outcomes.
   
   
2.  Evaluating and advancing fair and reliable assessment
   We critically examine the tools and instruments used to assess cognitive functions, especially in vulnerable populations. Our goal is to ensure that these assessments provide accurate and fair representations of cognitive abilities, regardless of a person’s individual or cultural background, age, education, or socioeconomic status.
   
   
3. Developing interventions for developmental and vulnerable populations
   We leverage our research findings to design and implement interventions aimed to improve cognitive functioning, not only for vulnerable populations but also for key developmental groups such as children of pre-, school-age and adolescence. By intervening early, we seek to set individuals on more optimal developmental trajectories, enhancing their cognitive resilience and wellbeing throughout life. These interventions are designed to support both early cognitive development and healthy aging, ensuring that individuals across the lifespan are better equipped to meet life’s challenges.

Our broader mission is to produce research that is both accessible and reproducible, with practical implications that extend beyond the laboratory. We are dedicated to applying our findings in real-world settings, such as educational contexts, healthcare, and workforce development. The universal nature of the cognitive processes we study allows our work to impact individuals across various age groups, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

In line with a true lifespan perspective, we collaborate with a diverse network of academic and applied partners to examine complex developmental trajectories. Among the key collaborators are: the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), the Leenards Foundation, the Public Employment Service of the Canton of Neuchatel (ORP), the University of Applied Science St. Gallen (FHS), the University of Lausanne (UNIL), the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health (IALH) at the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, UC Davis, Brock University, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, PhysAgeNet—Network on Evidence-Based Physical Activity in Old age, the EU Horizon ADVANCE consortium—Addressing mental health vulnerabilities from adolescence to older age, and more.

For more information about our current research projects and recent publications, please visit the group leader’s website.