COSSA Member Spotlight
UCLA Psychologist Dr. Shelley E. Taylor Awarded National Medal of Science
On October 24, President Biden announced the recipients of the annual National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the nation’s highest honors for discoveries and advancements in science and technology. Among the 2023 recipients is Dr. Shelley E. Taylor of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), a COSSA university member, who received the National Medal of Science in Behavioral and Social Science. Taylor is a health and social psychologist, known best for her research in socioemotional resources and positive illusions. The full list of award recipients can be found on the White House website.
Register for the 2023 Sage-CASBS Award Lecture
On November 16, the 2023 Sage and Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University (CASBS) Award Lecture will be taking place. Back in June, Sage and CASBS announced Elizabeth Anderson and Alondra Nelson as the winners of the 2023 Award (see previous coverage). Sage and CASBS are both COSSA members. During the event, Elizabeth Anderson and Alondra Nelson will deliver their award talks, then join in a moderated conversation. The event will conclude with award presentations. Anyone interested in attending can watch the livestream here or register to attend in person here. The event will be streamed live online…
AAPSS 2024 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize
The American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS), a COSSA member organization, is accepting nominations for the 2024 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize in Social Science and Public Policy. The Moynihan Prize is an annual honor that recognizes social scientists, public officials, and other leaders who champion the use of informed judgment to improve public policy. Candidates must be willing to deliver a major public policy address on the topic of their choosing and nominations may be considered over a three-year period. The winner is recognized at a public event and receives a $20,000 cash prize. Nominations will be accepted through November…
Register for AERA’s 20th Annual Brown Lecture in Education Research
On October 19, the American Educational Research Association (AERA), a COSSA governing member, will host its 20th 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 2023 lecture is titled, “Otherwise Qualified: The Untold Story of Brown and Black Educators’ Professional Superiority” and will be delivered by Dr. Leslie T. Fenwick, professor and dean emerita of the Howard University School of Education, and dean in residence at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Register for the event (virtually or in-person) here.
American Psychological Association Highlights New Research Efforts on Social Media’s Impact on Adolescents
On September 7, Research!America hosted a discussion with the American Psychological Association (APA). During the discussion, APA’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Mitch Prinstein, shared APA’s new research focus on the effects of social media use on adolescents. The findings highlight the need for further investment into social science research that informs safer policy and ensures healthier online environments for our nation’s youth. A few critical concerns from the research study include: In his concluding remarks, Dr. Prinstein underscored the importance of platform transparency and advocated for social media literacy initiatives to help pave the way for a safer digital future.APA is actively looking into…
Research!America Alliance Discussion with APA on Social Media Use in Adolescence
On Thursday, September 7, Research!America will be hosting a virtual discussion with Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Chief Science Officer at the American Psychological Association (APA), a COSSA Governing Member, on how social media is affecting our youth. Dr. Prinstein will be sharing insights from APA’s recent report about social media use in adolescence and APA’s priorities around adolescent mental health. Bring your questions and register here.
AmStat and COSSA Virtual Briefing: What the Latest DOJ Funded Research and Statistics Say About Crime and Justice in the US
On July 27, the American Statistical Association (AmStat) and COSSA will be sponsoring a virtual briefing concerning the importance of research and statistics to inform crime and justice policy. Join Dr. Nancy La Vigne, Director of the National Institute of Justice, and Dr. Alex Piquero, Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, for a discussion about their priorities for advancing the use of science in crime and justice including in the areas of forensics and DNA, corrections and recidivism reduction, and the effectiveness of police body armor. Learn more about the briefing and registration here.
Ady Arguelles-Sabatier Named New AAA Executive Director
On July 10, the American Anthropological Association (AAA), a COSSA member, announced Ady Arguelles-Sabatier as its new executive director. Arguelles-Sabatier joins AAA with a background in anthropology and association management, dedicating her career to social entrepreneurship projects and non-profit fundraising for over 20 years. Previously, Arguelles-Sabatier served as the Senior Executive Director of Development, Innovation Philanthropy & Florida International University (FIU) Ventures, as well as the Interim Senior Executive Director of Corporate Relations at FIU. Arguelles-Sabatier will assume her role on July 31st, 2023 and will be responsible for guiding AAA’s strategic direction, enhancing member engagement, and advocating for the importance of…
PAA and APC In-Person Briefing: Challenges and Opportunities of an Aging Baby Boom Generation
On July 20, the Population Association of America (PAA) and the Association of Population Center (APC), will host a Birthday Bash and in-person discussion for the final cohort of the Baby Boom generation, who turn 65 this year. The event will hold an enlightening talk over cake and ice cream addressing this significant demographic shift, and its resulting nationwide implications in policy and health debates. The panel of distinguished experts will include Dr. Emily Agree of Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Linda Jacobsen from the Population Reference Bureau, Dr. Lisa Berkman of Harvard University, and Dr. I-Fen Lin from Bowling Green…
Elizabeth Anderson and Alondra Nelson Win 2023 Sage-CASBS Award
Sage and the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University announced Elizabeth Anderson and Alondra Nelson as the winners of the 2023 Sage-CASBS Award. Sage and CASBS are both COSSA members. The Award recognizes accomplishments in the behavioral and social sciences that push the boundaries of our understanding of social issues and highlights the role of the social and behavioral sciences in enhancing public discourse and good governance. Elizabeth Anderson is a renowned philosopher specializing in moral, social, and political philosophy; feminist theory; social epistemology; and the philosophy of economics and social sciences. Anderson currently serves as…
AAPOR Introduces Public Opinion Podcast
The American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Communications Committee has soft launched the Public Opinion Podcast (POP)! The podcast aims to increase public awareness of the field of survey methodology and public opinion. POP will also serve as a learning tool to provide teaching materials to undergraduate and graduate programs to increase the visibility of expertise at AAPOR. Two episodes have been released, the first one titled “Technological Advances and Public Opinion Research Challenges with Courtney Kennedy, Jennifer Agiesta, and Natalie Jackson,” and the second on “Race, Justice, and Public Opinion with David C. Wilson, Maria Krysan and Natalie…
COSSA Presents 2023 Distinguished Service Award to American Anthropological Association’s Edward Liebow
COSSA has announced the recognition of Edward Liebow, Executive Director of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) and former Chair of COSSA’s Board of Directors, as the recipient of its 2023 Distinguished Service Award. The award was officially presented in Washington, DC at the Celebration of Social Science Reception on April 24, 2023 as part of COSSA’s 2023 Social Science Advocacy Day activities. More information about the award is available on the COSSA website. “Ed has dedicated his career to the advancement of the social and behavioral sciences,” says Wendy Naus, COSSA’s Executive Director. “Not only is he a respected scholar…
COSSA Welcomes Cal State San Bernardino’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences as New Member
COSSA is thrilled to welcome the California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) College of Social and Behavioral Sciences as its newest member! The CSUSB College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is the university’s primary school for the social sciences. CSUSB is a research university in San Bernardino, California and receives over $800,000 annually in federal social and behavioral science funding. COSSA’s full membership list can be found here. Information on how to join is on the COSSA website.
COSSA Board Member Sara Curran Comments on U.S. Race & Ethnicity Standards
On March 16, The Seattle Times quoted Director of the University of Washington’s Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology and At-Large member of COSSA’s Board of Directors Sara Curran in an article on the need to update the U.S. standards of collecting race and ethnicity data. The recent push to revise the race and ethnicity data standards has been a priority of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which has led town halls to collect public feedback on the proposed changes to the standards (see previous COSSA coverage). In the article, Dr. Curran states that “these categories change…
Economist Alan Blinder Wins AAPSS 2023 Moynihan Prize
The American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS), a COSSA member, has announced the winner of the 2023 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize, which annually recognizes “a leading policymaker, social scientist, or public intellectual whose career demonstrates the value of using research and evidence to improve the human condition.” This year’s winner is Dr. Alan Blinder, a Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University. Dr. Blinder is celebrated for his extensive and influential years of public service, including serving as a member of President Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisers and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of…
COSSA Featured in AmStat News
On February 1, the American Statistical Association (ASA) interviewed Wendy Naus of the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) in a Q&A article of AmStat News, the membership magazine of ASA. The Q&A centered around the advocacy work of COSSA, the benefits of COSSA membership, and the various tools COSSA uses to advocate for the social and behavioral sciences. You can read the full article on the ASA website.
Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences Appoints Sarah A. Soule as Director
The Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University, a COSSA member organization, has appointed a new director, Sarah A. Soule, who will begin her tenure September 1, 2023. Dr. Soule received a PhD in sociology from Cornell University and previously served as senior associate dean of Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. The position was previously held by Margaret Levi, a political scientist, for eight years. More information is available on the CASBS website.
Danielle Staudt Elected COSSA Board Chair
The COSSA Board of Directors has elected Danielle Staudt, Executive Director of the Population Association of America (PAA), as its next chair. Her two-year term began January 1. Danielle is an association executive with over 20 years of experience and has served as the Executive Director for PAA—a COSSA Governing Member—since 2014. PAA is the home for population researchers and demographers, and its mission is to support and promote high-quality population research. “I am excited and honored to serve as COSSA’s chair,” says Staudt. “COSSA has been an invaluable resource to me and PAA; I’m grateful for the opportunity to…
COSSA Welcomes National Communication Association Back as Governing Member
COSSA is excited to welcome the National Communication Association (NCA) back as a Governing Member. NCA originally joined COSSA in 2000 and works to “promot[e] the widespread appreciation of the importance of communication in public and private life, the application of competent communication to improve the quality of human life and relationships, and the use of knowledge about communication to solve human problems.” The organization moved to non-governing membership in 2022 amidst a leadership transition but has returned to its governing seat in 2023. “As a critical field of social science, the expertise and perspectives of communication scholarship has been…
Margaret Weigers Vitullo to Lead Linguistic Society of America
The Linguistic Society of America (LSA), a COSSA Governing and Founding Member, has announced the appointment of Margaret Weigers Vitullo as its next Executive Director starting January 31. A sociologist by training, Vitullo has served as Deputy Director of the American Sociological Association (ASA)—another COSSA founding member—for the last five years and before that as ASA’s Director of Academic and Professional Affairs. She previously served as chair of the sociology department at Gallaudet University and worked at the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research in the Department of Health and Human Services. “We are thrilled we get to continue…