There is nothing quite like the International Association of Applied Psychology's Early Career Marathon. This year’s 24-hour virtual event brought together student and early career psychologists from all over the world, showcasing research and ideas across applied psychology’s many domains. It was a rich mix of prerecorded presentations, live discussions, expert feedback, and keynote reflections, organized with care and led by an impressively dedicated team. For some attendees, it was a first glimpse into IAAP's global applied psychology community. For all of us, it was a reminder of what that community can be at its best: diverse, inclusive, bold, and focused on creating a world where applied psychology empowers all individuals and societies to flourish.

As part of the event, I had the pleasure of hosting a conversation with psychologist Shige Oishi about his new book, Life in Three Dimensions. In it, he introduces a compelling idea: that a good life is not only about happiness or meaning, but also about what he calls psychological richness. This third dimension includes challenge, variety, and perspective changing experiences. He likens it to dark chocolate, known less for its ease on the palate than for its richness and complexity. That description came to mind as I listened to many of the presenters. Their projects did not always follow simple or predictable paths. Instead, they reflected curiosity, exploration, and a readiness to engage with uncertainty - hallmarks of the kind of richness Shige describes.

That kind of engagement feels especially important right now.

Last year, the United Nations released its Declaration on Future Generations, part of a broader effort known as the Summit of the Future. The declaration calls on governments, institutions, and citizens to consider how today’s decisions will affect the world tomorrow.

It urges us to act with long term responsibility, recognizing that future generations, those not yet here to speak for themselves, deserve meaningful consideration in global planning and commitments.

Psychology has an important role to play in meeting that challenge. We are a science of change. We study how people grow over time, how cultures evolve, how behavior is shaped, and how progress is made. We understand how short term incentives can undermine long term wellbeing, and how systems can be designed to support better outcomes for both individuals and communities. When applied well, psychology helps bridge the space between present demands and future needs.

The Early Career Marathon offered a glimpse of what that future can look like. Across time zones and topic areas, we heard from a generation of psychologists already applying their knowledge to urgent challenges. Their work focused on mental health in underserved communities, leadership that supports wellbeing, technology for inclusion and equity, and other topics at the intersection of people, planet, and prosperity. These were not just early steps in individual careers. They were meaningful contributions to the field of applied psychology and to the world it aims to serve.

I like to think of Psychology as an unspoken but essential "Sixth P," complementing the five that anchor the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. The Early Career Marathon brought all of these priorities into focus through the insight and dedication of those who will carry our field forward. If we are serious about honoring future generations, we must continue to make space for their ideas, support their growth, and listen to the questions they are raising.

This is not something to plan for down the line. It’s already happening. And it is something psychology is uniquely prepared to sustain.

 VIDEO HIGHLIGHT

Watch the interview between Lori Foster and Shige Oishi from the 2025 Early Career Marathon