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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.

Kimberly Kahn Answers “Why Social Science?”

The most recent Why Social Science? post comes from Dr. Kimberly Kahn from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) about how psychology can help us build safer, fairer communities by finding solutions rooted in evidence, empathy, and mutual responsibility. Read on for more.

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…

Heather M. Washington Answers “Why Social Science?”

The most recent Why Social Science? post comes from Heather M. Washington from the American Sociological Association (ASA) about how sociology can help move us towards a more equitable future and how ASA is helping sociologists connect with policymakers. Read on for more.

Reminder to Register: Final Headlines Webinar of 2025!

On December 10, join COSSA for the final Headlines webinar of the year. We will cover key policy developments and Congressional activity that affected the social and behavioral sciences in 2025 and preview what’s ahead for 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: Early Bird Registration is Open

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 officially open! Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing and don’t forget to check out our sponsorship opportunities (some including free regsitrations).

COSSA 101: “What is Appropriations?”

COSSA is excited to announce the latest brief in our COSSA 101: A Crash Course on the Federal Government series: “What is Appropriations?“ The series will continue to provide easy-to-understand information about the inner workings of the federal government and how they affect social and behavioral science research. Continue to check back on the homepage to discover new briefs. Do you have a federal government topic you would like explained by COSSA 101? Send us your ideas! Other recent topics include, “What is a Government Shutdown?“

Meet COSSA’s Policy Intern: Anne Tighe!

Anne Tighe started as COSSA’s policy intern in September. Before she signs off, she provided some reflections from her time at COSSA! How did you learn about COSSA and the opportunity to serve as a policy intern? While seeking fall internship opportunities on Handshake, I encountered COSSA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Internship. My interest was piqued in the chance to advocate for a cause I am passionate about while working with the federal government. In my previous experience as a Community Affairs Liaison for the New York State government, I spent my summer in Queens helping connect constituents with…

REGISTER NOW: Headlines Webinar on December 10

On December 10, join COSSA for the final Headlines webinar of the year. We will cover key policy developments and Congressional activity that affected the social and behavioral sciences in 2025 and preview what’s ahead for 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.

Lisa Schamess Answers “Why Social Science?”

This month’s Why Social Science? post comes from Lisa Schamess from the American Association of Geographers (AAG) about celebrating Geography Week and how geography is essential to our daily lives. Read on for more.

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