Dr. Sheppard G. Kellam passed away peacefully on 12 July 2026, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the pioneers of prevention science. A public health psychiatrist and Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Department of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Kellam helped establish many of the concepts and methods that underpin modern prevention science.
A long-standing member of the Society for Prevention Research (SPR), he was named an SPR Fellow and served as the Society's President from 1998 to 2001, becoming the first President elected by the full membership.
His groundbreaking longitudinal research transformed understanding of how early childhood experiences influence lifelong health and behavioural outcomes. Through decades of large-scale, school-based prevention trials, including the development and evaluation of the internationally recognised Good Behavior Game, Dr. Kellam demonstrated that universal preventive interventions in early childhood could significantly reduce later substance use, mental and behavioural disorders, delinquency, and other adverse outcomes.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Kellam was widely recognised for his generosity as a mentor, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of prevention scientists. Through his guidance, support of early-career researchers, and dedication to collaboration, he helped strengthen the global prevention community and inspired countless colleagues and students throughout his career.
Through his influential research, commitment to translating evidence into practice, and enduring contributions to prevention science, Dr. Kellam leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the field for generations to come.