French ABA – 2025 Chapter Update – Inside Behavior Analysis

By Laurent Madelain and Arthur Prével

In 2024, members of French ABA actively contributed to developing the field of behavior analysis in France through a variety of impactful initiatives and collaborations. Students from the University of Lille participated in two major international conferences: the Society for the Quantitative Analyses of Behavior (SQAB) and the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). These events provided valuable platforms for presenting their work, engaging with global researchers, and staying informed about the latest advancements in behavior analysis.

In collaboration with colleagues from KU Leuven, French ABA members organized a series of monthly online conferences under the banner of PALM (Online Meetings on the Psychology of Associative Learning and Memory). These sessions featured invited speakers who presented talks on learning processes, associative learning, and memory, followed by in-depth discussions. This initiative facilitated international academic exchange and provided valuable insights into current research.

With the support of a University of Lille grant, French ABA invited Professor Kennon A. Lattal from West Virginia University for a one-month residency. During his stay, Professor Lattal delivered lectures, conducted workshops, mentored students, and engaged in collaborative research projects. His visit not only enriched the academic offerings but also strengthened ties between institutions, paving the way for future collaborative projects in behavior analysis.

Members of the association have actively contributed to securing funding for a five-year interdisciplinary project grant on decision-making under radical uncertainty. This initiative involves experimental behavior analysis, behavioral economics, comparative psychology, and computer science. French ABA members contributed significantly, with one member serving as co-leader. A doctoral seminar organized at the University of Lille in June 2024 brought together researchers from Ghent University, ENS Paris, and UCL London to discuss decision-making. This event fostered a rich exchange of ideas and strengthened collaborative networks, resulting in a funding application for a new research project to develop AI systems for personalized learning programs.

French ABA has initiated the process of renewing the certification for the master’s program in behavior analysis at the University of Lille. Granted by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), this certification aims to ensure alignment with international standards. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders is ongoing to achieve successful renewal.

Plans are underway to organize an annual meeting for French professionals in applied behavior analysis (ABA). This event aims to strengthen the community by bringing practitioners together, promoting the exchange of best practices, encouraging collaborations, and addressing needs in training and institutional representation. By fostering a cohesive and supportive network, the initiative seeks to enhance service quality and provide professionals with essential resources. In a similar vein, a directory of alumni from the master’s program in behavior analysis at the University of Lille is being developed. This directory will establish a professional network to encourage connections among graduates, promote knowledge exchange, and support career advancement within the field.

Through these initiatives, French ABA continues to advance its mission of fostering research, education, and professional development in behavior analysis, ensuring its sustained growth and impact both nationally and internationally.