New from COSSA
COSSA’s Analysis of the President’s FY 2027 Budget Request for Social and Behavioral Science
On April 3, the Trump Administration released its budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 2027. The document released by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) highlights actions the Administration has taken during its first year in office to cut spending across the federal government, stating that, “The full-year 2026 appropriations bills enacted the first real cut to spending in 12 years…[and] put us on a path to eliminate ineffective Federal agencies that do not serve a useful purpose…” The FY 2027 budget seeks additional cuts, including a 10 percent reduction to non-defense discretionary spending, while proposing a staggering $1.5…
COSSA’s Save SBE Toolkit
As COSSA has been reporting, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate (SBE) is currently at risk of being eliminated. The Trump Administration’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2027 would zero out funding for SBE starting next fiscal year without providing notice or explanation to the research community. COSSA is working with friends across the scientific community to fight back. We have created a Save SBE webpage with resources you can use in your own efforts to defend SBE and promote the work of the social and behavioral sciences. The latest resource is the SBE Messaging Guide. This document was prepared for…
New Action Alert: Tell Congress to Save NSF’s Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate!
On April 3, the Trump Administration released its budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2027. In it, the Administration states its intent to dismantle the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) Directorate in FY 2027. This proposal is alarming as the SBE Directorate is responsible for nearly two-thirds of funding for academic research in the social and behavioral sciences in the U.S. However, even more concerning are recent reports that NSF leadership plans to begin dismantling the Directorate this year. Such a move raises several red flags and likely violates current statute, not to mention sidesteps…
A Note from COSSA
Friends – As I’m sure you have heard by now, the Trump Administration released its budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2027 last week, which seeks to boost military spending by more than 44 percent by slashing funding for domestic programs. Among the domestic accounts affected are federal science agencies for which, once again, the Administration has put forward budget proposals that would all but hand American science leadership to our global competitors. See the related article below for preliminary details about the budget request. There will always be budget proposals by unsupportive Administrations seeking to cut funding for things they don’t…
Register Now: Understanding NSF’s Merit Review Updates with Wanda Ward
On April 9, join COSSA for the next Headlines webinar on changes to NSF’s Merit Review Process, the recently published “Merit Review for a Changing Landscape” Report, and what that means for social and behavioral science research. The webinar will feature specal guest Wanda Ward, Chair of the National Science Board’s Commission on Merit Review. Register now and join the conversation. If you missed our March Headlines webinar covering recent policy developments and tips on how to advocate from home, you can find the recording here. Headlines is a webinar series available to COSSA member organizations. Watch for additional webinar announcements, and previous webinar recordings,…
Social and Behavioral Scientists Take to Capitol Hill for COSSA’s Social Science Advocacy Day 2026
On March 23-24, COSSA held its annual Social Science Advocacy Day in Washington, DC. Over 85 social and behavioral science researchers, students, and advocates from 24 different states headed to Capitol Hill to meet with more than 90 offices in the House of Representatives and Senate, all carrying a message about the need to prioritize funding for social and behavioral science research. COSSA is especially grateful to the sponsors of this year’s event. Thank you to all involved for making this such an impactful experience and stay tuned for news about Social Science Advocacy Day 2027!
Urge Congress to Prioritize Robust Science Funding in the FY 2027 Appropriations Bills
Congressional appropriators are preparing legislation that will determine funding for federal science and statistical agencies for the next year (FY 2027). With recent attacks on the scientific research enterprise—including funding cuts, grant delays/cancellations, reorganization proposals, abrupt terminations, and mass layoffs— it is essential that our community fights for federal science funding and the scientific workforce. The stakes have never been higher. Send a message to your Senators and Representative TODAY and tell them why it is critical that they prioritize funding in FY 2027 for the the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Institute of Education Sciences, National Institute of Justice, Bureau…
Register Now: April Headlines Webinar
On April 9, join COSSA for the latest Headlines webinar discussing the proposed changes to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Merit Review process. This webinar will feature the National Science Board’s Wanda Ward and will look at what changes to merit review could mean for social and behavioral science research. Register now and join the conversation. If you missed our March Headlines webinar covering recent policy developments and tips on how to advocate from home, you can find the recording here. Headlines is a webinar series available to COSSA member organizations. Watch for additional webinar announcements, and previous webinar recordings, on the COSSA website.
Social Science Advocacy Day: LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
It’s your last chance to register for COSSA’s annual Social Science Advocacy Day taking place March 23-24, 2026 in Washington, DC! This annual event brings together social and behavioral science researchers, faculty, students, association professionals, and other advocates from across the country. Together, we’ll meet with elected officials in Congress to discuss the value of our sciences and the importance of federal funding. Join the 80+ advocates representing 23+ states slated to attend. Register now and don’t forget to check out our sponsorship opportunities (some including free registrations).
Register Now: March Headlines Webinar
Ahead of COSSA’s annual Social Science Advocacy Day, join COSSA for the next Headlines webinar, “Making Your Voice Heard in Washington: Day of Action“. The COSSA staff will cover recent policy developments, share tips on how to advocate from home, and provide ways for you to get involved during Advocacy Day! Register now and join the conversation. Headlines is a webinar series available to COSSA member organizations. Watch for additional webinar announcements, and previous webinar recordings, on the COSSA website.
Social Science Advocacy Day: One Month Out!
COSSA’s annual Social Science Advocacy Day is taking place March 23-24, 2026 in Washington, DC! This annual event brings together social and behavioral science researchers, faculty, students, association professionals, and other advocates from across the country. Together, we’ll meet with elected officials in Congress to discuss the value of our sciences and the importance of federal funding. Register now and don’t forget to check out our sponsorship opportunities (some including free registrations).
Analysis of the Final FY 2026 LHHS Appropriations Bills for Federal Science Agencies
Following a brief partial government shutdown, the House of Representatives passed the latest fiscal year (FY) 2026 funding package containing the final budgets for dozens of federal agencies and departments. The package, which comes on the heels of enactment of an earlier omnibus in January (see COSSA’s coverage), includes the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (LHHS) appropriations bill, funding the National Institutes of Health, Department of Education, and other agencies, and four other appropriations bills: the Department of Defense appropriations bill, Financial Services appropriations bill, National Security and Department of State appropriations bill, and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development…
Social Science Advocacy Day: Prices Increase After Friday!
COSSA’s annual Social Science Advocacy Day is BACK and will take place March 23-24, 2026 in Washington, DC! This annual event brings together social and behavioral science researchers, faculty, students, association professionals, and other advocates from across the country. Together, we’ll meet with elected officials in Congress to discuss the value of our sciences and the importance of federal funding. Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing and don’t forget to check out our sponsorship opportunities (some including free regsitrations). Early Bird Prices expire this Friday, February 13.
Submit your own Button Slogan!
We love when our advocates show their support for social science research by wearing one of COSSA’s coveted buttons. We’re looking for our next great button slogan! Got any ideas? Submit your suggestions and let us know what you’d like to see on our beloved buttons.
Register Now: Headlines Webinar this Thursday
On January 29, join COSSA for the first Headlines webinar of the year. The COSSA Staff will cover recent key policy updates and what the future holds for advocacy in 2026. Register now and join the conversation. Headlines is a webinar series available to COSSA member organizations. Watch for additional webinar announcements, and previous webinar recordings, on the COSSA website.
Social Science Advocacy Day: Prices Increases NEXT WEEK!
COSSA’s annual Social Science Advocacy Day is BACK and will take place March 23-24, 2026 in Washington, DC! This annual event brings together social and behavioral science researchers, faculty, students, association professionals, and other advocates from across the country. Together, we’ll meet with elected officials in Congress to discuss the value of our sciences and the importance of federal funding. Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing and don’t forget to check out our sponsorship opportunities (some including free regsitrations). Early Bird Prices expire this Friday, January 30.
Register Now: First Headlines of 2026!
On January 29, join COSSA for the first Headlines webinar of the year. The COSSA Staff will cover recent key policy updates and what the future holds for advocacy in 2026. Register now and join the conversation. Headlines is a webinar series available to COSSA member organizations. Watch for additional webinar announcements, and previous webinar recordings, on the COSSA website.
Social Science Advocacy Day: Register Now for Informational Webinar
COSSA’s annual Social Science Advocacy Day is BACK and will take place March 23-24, 2026 in Washington, DC! This annual event brings together social and behavioral science researchers, faculty, students, association professionals, and other advocates from across the country. Together, we’ll meet with elected officials in Congress to discuss the value of our sciences and the importance of federal funding. Early Bird Registration is open! Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing and don’t forget to check out our sponsorship opportunities (some including free regsitrations). Curious about Social Science Advocacy Day 2026? Join us for an informational webinar! We will be hosting a session…