Psychometric Society gives Lifetime Achievement award to Chang
The Psychometric Society awarded Hua Hua Chang its prestigious 2026 Career Award for Lifetime Achievement for his contributions in the field of psychometrics.
Psychometrics concerns the development of psychology as a quantitative rational science, including the advancement of theory and methodology for behavioral data analysis in psychology, education, and the social and behavioral sciences generally.
The Career Award honors individuals whose publications, presentations, and professional activities over a career have had a widespread positive impact on the field of psychometrics.
Chang’s research focuses on advancing rigorous methods for understanding human learning, behavior, and potential through mathematical, statistical, and psychometric modeling. He is currently developing personalized assessment tools designed to support individualized learning pathways.
“This award affirms that our shared efforts—colleagues, students, and collaborators—have advanced the science of measurement toward deeper insight into human learning, behavior, and potential,” said Chang, the Charles R. Hicks Chair Professor of educational psychology and research methodology.
Chang added that receiving the award doesn’t mark the end of a career—it opens new doors for what he can do with that recognition. “In particular, the award would strengthen my role as a mentor, guiding the next generation of psychometricians and quantitative researchers,” he said.
“This an amazing acknowledgement of the excellent work you do,” said Christine Rienstra-Kiracofe, department head of the College’s Department of Educational Studies. “We are so fortunate to have you as a colleague.”
“This is one of the most meaningful honors in our field,” said colleague Qi Huang, assistant professor of educational psychology and research methodology. “It’s truly a testament to the extraordinary impact you’ve had on both the science and the community.”
Chang has taught at Purdue since 2018, for 13 years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and for four years at the University of Texas at Austin. He heads the Purdue University Psychometric Investigation Lab (PUPIL), which offers consultation about educational assessment, data analytics, and research design.
For more than 34 years, Chang has been a member of the Society, an international nonprofit organization devoted to advancing quantitative measurement in psychology, education, and the social sciences. He served as president from 2012 to 2013 and organized its 2013 International Meeting.
He will receive a commemorative plaque, a monetary prize, free lifetime membership of the Psychometric Society, and an invitation to give a presentation at the International Meeting of the Psychometric Society (July 21-24, 2026) in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
“You are truly deserving of this recognition given your many contributions to scholarship and mentorship of students and early-career scholars,” said Steven Andrew Culpepper, president of the Psychometric Society.
Among his many other awards and appointments, Chang has also received the 2024 Samuel J. Messick Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions from the American Psychological Association Division 5, and the 2021 Award for Career Contributions to Educational Measurement from the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME).
About the Psychometric Society
The Psychometric Society is devoted to the advancement of quantitative measurement practices in psychology, education and the social sciences.
Source: Hua Hua Chang