A Word from COSSA

Dear Friends:

This is the last COSSA Washington Update of 2024, but it certainly is not the end of our work for the year. As I write, our team is busily preparing for what everyone expects will be a challenging year ahead for policymaking. We are headed into uncertain terrain with the return of the Trump Administration come January 20 and a new Congress with margins tighter than we have seen in a long time. 

Last week, COSSA hosted a webinar for our members previewing some of the expected actions of the next Congress and Administration and outlining many of the unknowns that remain. You can watch the recording here.

With federal research funding likely on the chopping block next year, it will be absolutely essential that our community shows up. To that end, I am pleased to announce that early bird registration has opened for COSSA’s 2025 Social Science Advocacy Day on March 24-25, 2025. I hope you will consider joining us in Washington this spring as we work to convince policymakers of the value of our sciences. More details are below.

Finally, as we close out the year, I want to thank all our members for their support. COSSA’s remit is to advocate on behalf of the entire social and behavioral science community. The generosity of our member organizations, through their participation in COSSA’s efforts and annual dues, is what makes this possible. If you do not see your organization on COSSA’s membership list but would like to know more about membership and how you can engage more in 2025, please be in touch.

The challenges that lie ahead will require the participation of our entire community. I hope you will join us.

With warmest wishes this holiday season, 

Wendy Naus

COSSA Executive Director