Session: Social Work Leadership in Addressing Health Disparities through Interdisciplinary Collaboration (Society for Social Work and Research 29th Annual Conference)

Planned Activities: Bi-monthly Interactive Sessions: Each session will explore different aspects of health disparities. Activities will include brief introductions of ongoing research, discussions on the role of interdisciplinary research, presentations of interdisciplinary grants and strategies for obtaining them, and case studies where research informs practice. Kick-off Session: Participants will introduce their research related to determinants of health. This session will set the stage for future discussions and collaborative efforts. Interdisciplinary Collaboration Workshop: Focus on successful strategies for securing interdisciplinary grants, with insights from experienced researchers and past successful grant recipients. Practice and Research Integration Panel: Highlight successful cases where social work research has significantly informed practical interventions, emphasizing social justice and culturally responsive practices. Future Planning Workshop: Discuss potential topics for future collaboration and establish a regular meeting schedule via Zoom to ensure ongoing engagement and project development. Additional Information: Social workers have leveraged various ecosystem models since the field's inception, providing them with in-depth knowledge and insights. This SIG not only aims to promote the application of this knowledge in interdisciplinary settings but also to support social work professionals through practical support, fostering an increased presence in multidisciplinary research endeavors. Ultimately, this SIG will advance social work practice and research, contributing significantly to the global effort to eliminate health disparities.