In Memoriam: David C. Berliner
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06 October 2025
In Memoriam: David C. Berliner
David Berliner passed away on September 26, 2025, in Oakland, California (United States). With his passing, the International Academy of Education has lost an outstanding visionary, critical thinker, and inspiring driving force who profoundly shaped the scientific development of the Academy over nearly a decade.
Berliner was most recently Regents’ Professor Emeritus of Educational Psychology at Arizona State University. He taught and conducted research at numerous prestigious institutions, including the University of Arizona, the University of Massachusetts, Stanford University, as well as universities in Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland.
A fellow of our Academy since November 2016, David was also a member of the National Academy of Education and served as President of both the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the Division of Educational Psychology of the American Psychological Association (APA). In recognition of his lifetime contributions, he received numerous distinguished awards, including the Brock International Prize in Education, the AERA Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education, and the APA’s E. L. Thorndike Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Members of the Academy had the extraordinary privilege of working with David over many years and knowing him as a highly engaged, brilliant, and warmhearted colleague. Within the Academy, he contributed to numerous projects, consistently approaching educational developments with a critical perspective and steadfastly advocating for teachers’ voices.
David Berliner was far more than an exceptional and visionary scholar. He was a wonderful person, a long-time friend to many of the Academy’s Fellows, an invaluable mentor, and a perceptive conversational partner. Through his tireless commitment, openness, and warmth, he profoundly inspired the work of our Academy. Until the very end, he worked with remarkable energy on numerous initiatives, including the IAE Research Series, leaving a deep and lasting imprint on our work.
His unexpected passing leaves a profound void - both professionally and personally. We will remember David Berliner with deepest gratitude, respect, and affection. His vision, dedication, and passion for education will continue to inspire us, and his legacy will live on in the work of the Academy and in the countless educators and scholars he influenced.
Olga Troitschanskaia and Kadriye Ercikan
on behalf of the Fellows of the Academy