​ESRAD is a non-profit, scientific organization, whose aim is to promote, discuss and help publish research and theory on adult development. Its aim is also to create a network that supports researchers and professionals in the field through conferences, symposiums, publications, online forum environments, website and other social media tools. The membership of the European Society for Research in Adult Development includes people from all disciplines who are interested in positive adult development. Positive adult development refers to development starting in late
adolescence and continuing through to the end of life. The focus is on expanded capabilities and changes that improve the quality of life. Research and discussion within the field of positive adult development may include, but are not restricted to, topics such as cognitive and moral development, wisdom, therapy, adult education, political development, societal and spiritual development. Both empirical and theoretical research are encouraged. The association is religiously and politically non-aligned.

The association carries out its purpose:

• By organising conferences, workshops and lectures in line with its aims and areas of interest
• By publishing printed materials electronically or in printed form, like books, journals and articles
• By creating environments for social networking between researchers and professionals both online and in person
• By maintaining connections to other similar organisations internationally

​ESRAD's Origins

The European Society for Research in Adult Development (ESRAD) was founded in 2011 by the following individuals: Jose Ferreira Alves (University of  Minho), Michael Commons (Harvard Medical School), James M. Day (University of Louvain), Eeva K. Kallio (University of Jyväskylä), Sofia Kjellström (University of Linköping), Helena Marchand (University of Lisbon), ​and Kristian Stålne (University of Malmö). The inaugural symposium was at the University of Lund in Sweden in June 2011.