NASEM Social and Behavioral Sciences

Applications are now open for the 2026–2028 New Voices Cohort! The New Voices program at the The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine brings together exceptional mid-career U.S.-based leaders to explore how science, engineering, and medicine can help solve today’s most pressing national and global challenges. Over a two-year term, New Voices members will: ✅ Join a prestigious network of SEM leaders ✅ Explore interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges ✅ Learn how science policy is shaped at the federal level ✅ Represent New Voices at major international forums ✅ Bring back insights to create impact in their communities and institutions Ready to collaborate, connect, and make a difference? Apply now to join the 2026–2028 cohort. 📅 Application Deadline: September 3, 2025 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/oWLo50WwctZ #NewVoices #STEMLeadership #scipol #nasem #ApplyNow

Our report on reducing child poverty was cited in a recent article in the New York Times examining the effects of unconditional cash payments to low-income families. The article presents new findings from a study that discusses how the results contribute to the broader policy debate on child development and economic support. Our report, referenced in the piece, concluded that poverty itself contributes to negative child outcomes and that evidence-based public programs can help improve child well-being. Read the article here: https://ow.ly/SXQ350Wyfkf Explore our full report: https://ow.ly/YCcP50Wyfk6 #ChildPoverty #EarlyChildhood #Development

The latest special issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science dives deep into the science of myopia, building on insights from the recent NASEM report. This comprehensive issue explores: • Animal models used to study myopia progression • The role of “visual diet” in eye development • Genetic and environmental risk factors • Emerging treatment strategies Whether you’re treating myopia in clinic or researching the mechanisms behind its rise, this is a must-read for staying at the forefront of myopia science. Read the issue: https://brnw.ch/21wUlsa #MyopiaResearch #Ophthalmology #VisionScience #IOVS #NASEM #MyopiaAwareness #ClinicalResearch #ResearchNews #VisionResearch #VisionNews

What insights can social science offer to help align AI development with environmental and economic goals? Growing demand from AI-driven data centers challenges climate mitigation, water resources, and low-cost electricity targets. Our upcoming webinar will explore how AI is used, what drives decision making, and how transparency and incentives could lead to more sustainable outcomes. Register here: https://ow.ly/u0cF50WugU5 #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Climate #ClimateMitigation #Energy #Sustainability #Economics #SocialSciences

Join us at the American Statistical Association - ASA's JSM 2025 conference to learn more about the latest eighth edition of Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency! Our report provides an overview of the critical role of federal statistics for the public, the economy, and policymaking. The conference includes two sessions where the report will be featured, specifically focusing on the implications of AI and machine learning for federal statistics: 📌The Role of Professional Ethical Practice Standards in Ensuring Scientific Integrity of AI Monday, August 4 at 8:30 AM - 10:20 AM in room CC-101B 📌A New Era in Official Statistics: AI/ML and Automation Wednesday, August 6 at 8:30 AM - 10:20 AM in room CC-205C Learn more about JSM 2025: https://ow.ly/Rmpl50Wtw6f Learn more about our report: https://ow.ly/Lv9U50Wtw6e #JSM2025 #Statistics #Data #Policy #Economy

Despite an increasing need to understand the provision of care, measuring the size, characteristics, and dynamics of the care economy is challenging. We recently held an open session to gather input from stakeholders on the data needs and challenges related to measuring the care economy. Watch now: https://ow.ly/2S0v50WtvYE #CareEconomy #ChildCare #ElderCare #SeniorCare #LongTermCare #Healthcare #Data #Economy

A new special issue of PNAS features a series of articles inspired by a colloquium hosted by the Standing Committee on Advancing Science Communication. The papers in this issue describe the need for a paradigm shift in science communication, from traditional, top-down dissemination to participatory and inclusive approaches. They also identify four major challenges to effective science communication: scientific uncertainty, politicization, the myth of value-neutral science, and a reactive communication infrastructure. The articles highlight that engaging diverse communities and integrating their values into science communication can help build both societal trust and the impact of science. 🔗 Learn more about the special issue: https://ow.ly/5zGO50WsZjz 🔗 Learn more about the colloquium: https://ow.ly/ecHl50WsZjx #ScienceCommunication #SciComm #Science #Research #CommunityEngagement

Cybercrime has increased as the internet has become an ubiquitous part of modern life. It poses serious threats and financial costs to individuals and businesses in the United States and worldwide. However, comprehensive, consistent, and reliable data and metrics on cybercrime still do not exist, which hinders the nation's ability to understand and track cybercrime. Our new interactive resource addresses the absence of credible cybercrime data and metrics. The report recommends a taxonomy for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and state and local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of measuring different types of cybercrime and considers the needs for its periodic revision. Explore: https://ow.ly/J3W350Wn6Je   #Cybercrime #Law #Justice #Telecommunications #Data

Social and economic mobility embody a fundamental value held by many Americans—that anyone should be able to succeed based on their own merits, regardless of their background.   Our new report, Economic and Social Mobility, provides a forward-looking framework for data, research, and policy initiatives to boost upward mobility and better fulfill promises of opportunity and advancement for all members of U.S. society. The report focuses on key domains that shape mobility, including early life and family; the spaces and places where people live and work; postsecondary education; and credit, wealth, and debt. It also discusses the data infrastructure needed to support an extensive research agenda on economic and social mobility.    Access the report: https://ow.ly/iBUG50Wn25y      #SocialMobility #EconomicMobility #Economics #Demography #Policy #SocialPolicy

Our new report, The Science and Practice of Team Science, offers a roadmap to make science teams more effective and impactful. At our recent webinar, co-chair Dr. Diana Burley and committee members Deborah DiazGranados, Stephen Fiore, and Christopher Wiese shared key insights and answered questions on how institutions, funders, and researchers can support team science. Key Takeaways: ✅ Best practices across the team lifecycle—from formation to translation ✅ Institutional guidance on tenure, promotion, and support systems ✅ Recommendations for funders to better design and evaluate grants ✅ Future priorities: hybrid teams, training, and technology Explore the Report: https://ow.ly/K9Tv50WmzWb 🎥 Watch the Webinar: https://ow.ly/eouk50WmzWi #TeamScience #Collaboration #STEM