Robin Edelstein
University of Michigan, RCGD
Introduction to the Series
Jan. 12, 2026

Robin Edelstein introduces the Winter 2026 RCGD Seminar Series: The Ties that Bond: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social Connection.

ABOUT THE SERIES

This seminar series brings together senior and early-career scholars to explore fundamental questions about how we connect, protect, and care. Talks will highlight lifespan and comparative approaches to understanding social connection, physiological implications of social and race-related stressors, and diverse conceptualizations of what it means to belong—from romantic and parent–child relationships to group and societal dynamics to technology-mediated interactions.

Robin Edelstein, Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan and an affiliate of the Research Center for Group Dynamics, has organized this series. She will introduce the series at this kick-off event that doubles as a faculty meeting.

The first seminar in the series will be Jan. 26. Join us on Mondays to learn about the biological, social, and developmental pathways that shape human connection.

These events are held Mondays from 3:30 to 5.
In person: The kickoff will be held in ISR Thompson 6050; all seminars in the series are located in ISR Thompson 1430, unless otherwise specified.
Organized by Robin Edelstein
As permissions allow, seminars are later posted to our YouTube playlist.