Invited Symposium III: Task Force on Safeguarding Social Work Research: A Dialogue and Strategic Response to Emerging Threats

This symposium will discuss the origin and work of SSWR’s Task Force on Safeguarding Social Work Research, including the alignment with SSWR’s mission, vision and Strategic Plan. We will review our three key strategies: Advance and Defend Social Work Research through Advocacy, Increase Public Awareness and Utilization of Social Work Research, and Provide Education, Support, and Community Building Opportunities for Social Work Researchers and Partners. We will provide an overview of recent initiatives related to these strategies: updates on our interactive and informational webinars with early career scholars and tenured faculty, including their recommendations for the task force; engagement with external partners (NASW, CSWE, NADD, ACOSA); development of strategic working groups; and a timeline and planned actions for upcoming months. In our engagement of early career scholars and tenured faculty we focused on the following overall questions: What are the key challenges you are facing? What would be the most helpful information, topics, and/or resources for SSWR to share overall, and for future webinars/information sessions? and What information would be most helpful related to advocacy for advancing social work science and research? We will also share specific information regarding feedback from early career scholars in the following areas: Conducting Research In Uncertain Times: Funding and Related Issues, Promotion and Tenure, Navigating the Job Market, Accountability and Transparency related to DEI challenges and cultural taxation, and Integrating Critical Research into Social Work Pedagogy After DEI Rollbacks. Finally, we have a facilitated discussion for members to share challenges and threats faced in their research environments and suggestions from members on priority actions, resources, and support needed from the Task Force.