COSSA Member Spotlight
ASA Releases “The Nation’s Data at Risk” Report for 2025
The American Statistical Association’s (ASA) “Federal Statistics Health” project team announced the release of “The Nation’s Data at Risk: 2025 Report”. The report updates the team’s assessment of the health of the federal statistical agencies since the July 2024 release of the inaugural report. The report will go live at 7am EST on December 10 on the project website. ASA will also be hosting a webinar on December 10 at 10am EST. Register here. ASA is a COSSA governing member.
AAPOR Releases Report Evaluating 2024 Election Polling
The American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), a COSSA governing member, has released a new report titled âTask Force on 2024 Pre-Election Polling: An Evaluation of the 2024 General Election Polls.â This report analyzes the effectiveness of pre-election polling for the 2024 elections. The task force found that polls were more accurate compared to previous election years, and that â consistent with recent trends â polls underestimated Republican votes compared to Democratsâ. The report was discussed in-depth at a recent AAPOR webinar, details can be found here. This article was contributed by COSSA Intern Anne Tighe.
SRCD Accepting Applications for 2026-2027 Policy Fellowship Program
The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), a COSSA governing member, is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Policy Fellowship. The fellowship provides the opportunity for post-doctoral experts in child development to work in Congress or a state agency for a 1â2-year time period. Fellows will receive a competitive stipend and be granted access to professional networking opportunities and resources. SRCD is currently looking for applicants who have earned a doctoral-level degree, are SRCD members, and have experience working in child development. The application process involves a written section, an interview, and subsequent matching (for Congressional placement). Interested applicants…
AAPOR To Host Pre-Election Polling Webinar on November 19
On November 19, the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), a COSSA governing member, will host the next installment of their analysis of general election polls during presidential elections, Performance of Pre-Election Polling in 2024. The webinar will examine AAPOR’s newly released report, Pre-Election Polling Task Force Report, which evaluates the accuracy of general election polls during the 2024 election cycle. Registration for the webinar can be found here. This article was contributed by COSSA Intern Anne Tighe.
Nominations Open for 2026 Sage-CASBS Award
The Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University and Sage are now accepting nominations for the 2026 Sage-CASBS Award. Both CASBS and Sage are members of COSSA. Established in 2013, this award recognizes exceptional contributions in the behavioral and social sciences that advance our understanding of pressing social challenges. In addition to a cash prize, the winner will deliver a public lecture at CASBS in the spring of 2026. The deadline for nominations is December 19, 2025. More information can be found here. This article was contributed by COSSA Intern Anne Tighe.
AERA Holds Its 22nd Annual Brown Lecture in Education Research
On October 23, the American Educational Research Association (AERA), a COSSA governing member, hosted James A. Banks, professor and founder of the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington, as its 2025 annual Brown lecturer. The Brown Lecture aims to continue the legacy of the Brown v. Board decision by highlighting the role of research in advancing educational equality. In his lecture, Rethinking Brown When Diversity and Equity Are Imperiled and Democracy Is Fragile, Banks discussed the recent attacks the Trump Administration has made on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and drew upon existing studies to offer…
Register Now: AAPSS 2025 Moynihan Lecture
This fall, the American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS), a COSSA member, will award the 2025 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize to distinguished scholar on Ukraine and European authoritarianism, Timothy Snyder. This annual prize honors âsocial scientists, public officials, and civic leadersâ who use âinformed judgement to advance the public good.â Every year, the winner of the Moynihan Prize gives the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Lecture in Washington D.C. Snyder will deliver this yearâs lecture on October 30, followed by a conversation with Executive Director of the Womenâs Foreign Policy Group, Alexa Chopivsky. If you are interested in attending this event, please…
SSRC Launches Search for Next President
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) announced that they have opened the search for its next President. Applications and nominations are now invited, with an appointment anticipated in early 2026. SSRC is a COSSA member organization. SSRC is seeking a social scientist with a record of scholarly, programmatic, and institutional innovation; broad intellectual interests; and the ability to connect and collaborate across disciplines, institutions, and geographies. The President will lead efforts to nurture new generations of social scientists, deepen inquiry, and bring necessary knowledge to bear on urgent public issues. Learn more about the search process and how to apply on SSRC’s website.
ASA Accepting Nominations for 2026 Annual Awards
The American Sociological Association (ASA) announced that it is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Annual Awards. ASA is a COSSA governing member organization. Find out about all the award categories, including the new recognition for early career sociologists, the âEarly Career Award for Community-Engaged Scholarship Award.â The deadline for submissions is January 1, 2026. Learn more on the ASA Awards website.
Register for AERAâs 22nd Annual Brown Lecture in Education Research
On October 23, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) will host the 22nd Annual Brown Lecture in Education Research. The annual lecture aims to illuminate the important role of research in advancing understanding of equality and equity in education. The 2025 lecture is titled, âRethinking Brown When Diversity and Equity are Imperiled and Democracy Is Fragile” and will be delivered by James A. Banks, the Kerry and Linda Killinger Endowed Chair in Diversity Studies Emeritus and founding director of the Center for Multicultural Education (now the Banks Center for Educational Justice) at the University of Washington. AERA is a COSSA governing member organization. Register…
CASBS Accepting Applications for 2026-27 Fellowship
The Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University is now accepting applications for residential fellowships for the 2026-27 academic year. Applicants should be scholars and thinkers who are tackling big questions with fresh approaches. CASBS especially appreciate scholars who value discussion across fields, unencumbered by disciplinary boundaries. An academic year at the Center provides fellows freedom to work on consequential projects, a location that affords them access to research and colleagues at Stanford and Silicon Valley, and a collaborative environment that encourages fellows to broaden their perspectives. The Center encourages those from diverse backgrounds, institutions, and countries…
PAA to Host Congressional Briefing on “U.S. Birth Rate Trends: Patterns, Drivers, and Implications for American Families”
On October 8, the Population Association of America (PAA) will host a congressional briefing on “U.S. Birth Rate Trends: Patterns, Drivers, and Implications for American Families.” The event will feature a discussion on national and international birth rate trends and evidence on the effects of policy incentives, such as tax credits and paid family leave, in impacting an individualâs decision to start a family. The discussion is particularly timely given the Trump Administrationâs interest in encouraging higher birth rates nationwide. Speakers will include: PAA is a COSSA governing member organization. RSVP to secure your spot!
SSRC, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Offer Research Relief Funding
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC), with generous support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, is offering emergency funding to principal investigators (PIs) conducting economics-related research whose federal grants have been terminated by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Economic Research Rescue Fund is intended for PIs who received an NSF award prior to June 1, 2025 and had their award terminated, cancelled or suspended. Effected researchers can apply for funding up to $250,000 to help mitigate disruptions to the economics-related project. Full details are available here. SSRC is a COSSA member organization.
AAPSS Calls for Nominations for 2026 Moynihan Prize
The American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS) has announced their call for nominations for the 2026 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize in Social Science and Public Policy. The Moynihan Prize is an annual honor created to recognize social scientists, public officials, and civic leaders who champion the use of informed judgment to advance the public good. The winner will deliver the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Lecture on Social Science and Public Policy in Washington, DC, next fall. Nominations will be accepted through November 1, 2025 and can be submitted on the AAPSS website. AAPSS is a COSSA member organization. Learn more about the Moynihan…
COSSA Welcomes American Institutes for Research as New Member
COSSA is thrilled to welcome the American Institutes for Research (AIR) as its newest member! AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. COSSAâs full membership list can be found here. Information on how to join is on the COSSA website.
Suzanne Le Menestrel Named New Executive Director of the Society for Research in Child Development
On April 24, the Society for Research in Child Developmentâs (SRCD) announced that Dr. Suzanne Le Menestrel has been appointed as the Executive Director. Dr. Le Menestrel has been acting as SRCDâs Interim Executive Director since December 2024 and initially joined the Society through her appointment to Director of Science Affairs in 2022. Dr. Le Menestrel has provided oversight of SRCDâs peer-reviewed journals, grants, awards, and fellowships; collaborated with the executive leadership team on special scientific initiatives; led professional development and scientific content on behalf of SRCDâs 4,000+ members; and built relationships with scientific collaborators, both within the U.S. and…
2025 PAA Advocacy Day: A Record-Breaking Successful Day on Capitol Hill
On April 10, in conjunction with the Population Association of America (PAA) 2025 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, PAA sponsored a large advocacy day in which over 100 scientists from 30 states participated in meetings with their congressional delegations. PAA sponsors a large advocacy day whenever its annual meeting is held in Washington, DC. The last two events, in 2016 and 2012, attracted over 80 individuals, making this yearâs event truly record-breaking. Population scientists went to Capitol Hill to share examples of their federally funded research as well as to promote greater understanding of how data produced by federal statistical agencies are…
Tabbye M. Chavous Named New Executive Director of the American Educational Research Association
On April 7, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) announced that Dr. Tabbye M. Chavous has been appointed as the next Executive Director of the organization, effective August 11, 2025. Dr. Chavous comes to AERA from the University of Michigan, where she is a professor of education and psychology and currently serves as vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer. She brings over 25 years of experience and has consistently advocated for high-quality, inclusive research. COSSA looks forward to working with Dr. Chavous and thanks past-Executive Director Felice J. Levine for her service. AERA is a COSSA…
2025 AAPOR Award Nominations are Open
The American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) announced that nominations are open for their portfolio of awards to recognize distinguished work in the profession, as well as to further the education of students and early career researchers. AAPOR welcomes and encourages diversity in all aspects of the research profession, including their award nominees. Read more about each award and the submission guidelines on the AAPOR website. Submissions are due February 21, 2025.
COSSA Welcomes Child Trends as Newest Member!
COSSA is pleased to welcome Child Trends as its newest member! Child Trends is an independent research organization focused on improving life for children, youth, and families. According to Child Trends, âOur work explores how a childâs environment shapes their life and the drivers of variance in their outcomes across individual, socioeconomic, and other characteristics.â Interested in joining COSSA? Find more information on the COSSA website. COSSAâs full membership list can be found here.