Call for Abstract Submissions

Call for Abstract Submissions

Strengthening Social Impact through Collaborative Research

3/1/2024: Abstract Submission Site Now Open!

Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, April 15, 2024, 11:59pm, Pacific Time

Tentative Timeline: Abstract Submissions, Multi-Level Review, Status, and Presentation Schedule (subject to change)

  • February 16, 2024: CFP Disseminated
  • March 1, 2024: CFP Online Submission Opens
  • April 15, 2024: CFP Online Submission Closes
  • May-July 2024: Multi-Stage Abstract Review Processes (handled by peer reviewers and cluster chairs)
  • August 2024: Abstract Decision-Making Process (handled by cluster chairs)
  • September 20, 2024: Abstract Status Notifications to Presenting Authors, Organizers, and Discussants
  • October 18, 2024: Presentation Schedule Notifications to Presenting Authors, Organizers, and Discussants
  • Early November 2024: Orientation and Q&B Webinar for Flash Talk Session Presenters and Moderators

OVERVIEW

The Conference Planning Committee of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) welcomes submissions for presentations within all content areas of social work, social welfare services, and social policy.

The theme for the 2025 conference is “Strengthening Social Impact through Collaborative Research.” Today’s complex social problems require genuine and collaborative partnerships among academics, community organizations, residents, government agencies, and policy makers. Too often social work researchers work in silos. Yet by its very nature, social work is a collaborative and interdisciplinary field. Social work scholars are working to better understand and address issues like environmental justice, health equity, violence, economic inequality as well as many other complex social problems. We could have a much greater social impact by grounding our research in the lived experiences of people impacted by problems and those working tirelessly to address these problems. Social work researchers can play important roles in co-creating knowledge and solutions to address today’s social injustices. We challenge social work scholars to develop and strengthen genuine and long-lasting collaborative partnerships to create, implement and disseminate research for social impact.

The objectives of the conference are to:

  • Recognize policy and program impacts of social work research at the local, state, national, and international levels by social work scholars;
  • Advance social work as a discipline by reviewing the collective impact and potential for social work science; and
  • Center racial equity and social justice in social work research, policy, and practice.

We encourage submissions that describe how research has contributed to changes in individuals, organizations, communities, and policies. The challenge is to describe what has changed as a result of the research not just the research per se. Community partners, research participants, policymakers, and other research partners are welcome as co-presenters.

We also invite critical reflections on how research can better achieve social change. How might we better define issues and engage research participants? What designs, methods, analysis, and means of dissemination maximize public impact? How can social work researchers lead the academy in engaging community and influencing social policy?

We also continue our focus at this conference on racial and social justice. Of particular interest are submissions that address implicit and explicit bias in social work research, and describe research and research findings that advance racial and social justice for all marginalized populations.

Research abstracts are encouraged in all substantive areas, using scientifically sound qualitative and/or quantitative methodology. The research may take place in any country and at the micro, macro, or policy level. This year’s conference theme is cross-cutting by population, problem and substantive areas, as well as methodological expertise. As a result, we encourage submissions across all Clusters as they pertain explicitly to the impact of social work research in the form of proposals for individual papers and poster presentations, symposia, roundtable discussions, and workshops.

Cluster areas are below. Click here to view cluster descriptions and topics.

  1. Adolescent and Youth Development
  2. Aging Services and Gerontology
  3. American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Global Indigenous Populations (Indigenous Cluster)
  4. Asian and Asian-Pacific Islander Focused-Research
  5. Black and African Diaspora Focused-Research
  6. Child Welfare
  7. Communities and Neighborhoods
  8. Crime and Criminal Justice
  9. Disability
  10. Gender
  11. Health
  12. Inequality, Poverty, and Social Welfare Policy
  13. International Social Work and Global Issues
  14. Immigrants and Refugees
  15. LatinX Focused-Research
  16. Mental Health
  17. Military Service Members, Veterans and Their Families
  18. Organizations and Management
  19. Race and Ethnicity
  20. Research Design and Measurement
  21. Research on Social Work Education
  22. School Social Work
  23. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
  24. Social Work Practice
  25. Substance Misuse and Addictive Behaviors
  26. Sustainable Development, Environmental and Climate Justice
  27. Violence against Women and Children
  28. Work and Work-Life Policies and Programs

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SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Abstracts must be submitted in the following formats (see Author Submission Instructions document). Abstracts should be 500 words or less. References are not required, and if included count towards the 500-word limit. Image(s) and table(s) are not permitted in any abstract.
(1) Oral paper presentation
(2) Poster presentation
(3) Symposium of three or more papers on the same topic to be presented in the same session
(4) Roundtable
(5) Workshop

Oral paper, poster, and symposium paper abstracts should be submitted in a structured format and include the following:
• Background and Purpose: description of the problem, study objectives, research question(s) and/or hypothesis (es).
• Methods: study design, including a description of participants and sampling methods, data collection procedures, measures, and appropriate analytic/ statistical approach.
• Results: specific results in summary form.
• Conclusions and Implications: description of the main outcome(s) of the study and implications for practice, policy, or further research.

When submitting a symposium, please submit an abstract (500 words or less) for each symposium paper, along with an overall abstract (500 words or less) for the symposium session that describes the symposium theme and its importance. Preference will be given to symposia that demonstrate cohesiveness across presentations. Symposia will be accepted or rejected in total, i.e., abstracts will not be accepted independently.

Roundtable and workshop session abstracts should:
• add to the current knowledge base in social work practice, policy, theory, and research methodology, and,
• offer clear meaningful implications for social work research, policy and practice.

When submitting a roundtable or a workshop session, please submit an abstract of 500 words or less that describes the content and how it will be addressed. For roundtables, describe the topics that will be addressed elaborating on viewpoints and perspectives to be discussed. The workshop session should offer training opportunities for methodology (study design, sampling, data collection, measurement, and analysis) and describe the pedagogical techniques.

Abstracts should not be based on research previously published elsewhere. Please note that only paper and poster abstracts reporting completed findings will be reviewed. We urge that studies with “findings pending” be submitted for future review after the study is complete. Peer reviews will be used to select submissions based upon technical merit and importance of findings. Please note that all abstracts are to be submitted online using the SSWR online abstract management system at https://sswr.org/.

SSWR seeks to optimize as many people participating in the conference as possible. SSWR, therefore, limits the number of roles that participants can play in the 2025 conference. There is a limit of two (2) presenting-author abstract submissions per person. This limit applies to these presentation formats: oral papers, both individual papers and papers within an organized symposium, posters, and workshops. It does not apply to co-authorship. Participants may, however, perform additional roles such as chairing an organized symposium, leading a special interest group, serving as moderator for a session of grouped oral papers, and a panelist in a round table session.

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PRESENTER/SPEAKER REQUIREMENTS

You DO NOT need to be a SSWR member to submit an abstract. However, if your abstract is accepted for presentation the presenter/speaker MUST be a current 2025 member and register for the conference. This requirement is applicable to oral paper and poster presenters, symposium organizers, symposium paper presenters and symposium discussants, and workshop and roundtable speakers. Co-authors are not expected to comply with this policy. Co-authors attending the conference, however, are required to register for the conference.

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SAMPLE ABSTRACTS

Oral Papers (individual papers and papers within a symposium) and Posters:

Please see the following links for examples of model Workshop and Roundtable abstracts. These examples are included to provide guidance to authors; however, there may be instances in which another format is preferable.

If you have any question about the Call for Papers and/or abstract submission process, please contact A. DeeJay Hastings, CAE, program director, at dj@sswr.org or 703-352-7797, ext. 2.

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ABSTRACT FORMATS and REQUIREMENTS

ORAL PAPER PRESENTATION
Abstracts of individual research papers may be submitted for a 20-minute oral presentation. A minimum of four (4) to a maximum of five (5) individual papers will be grouped together based on a single theme and similar content within a 90-minute concurrent session. A moderator will facilitate an extended period of open discussion following the 3-4 oral paper presentations.

When submitting an individual paper presentation, your abstract will be reviewed as an individual paper. However, authors are encouraged during the abstract submission process to indicate their willingness to present an individual poster, if your submission cannot be scheduled as an individual paper in a session with 3 other individual papers due to the limitations of meeting time and space.

Requirement(s):

  • Title
  • Research Method/Type
  • Cluster/Topical Area
  • Authors: there is no minimum/maximum of how many individuals may be listed as authors. However, only one (1) individual/author may be designated as the presenting author and all other authors are will be listed as co-authors. Please note that the role of “presenting author” may be designated to one of the authors, e.g. first author, second author, third author, etc.
  • An abstract of 500-word or less

POSTER PRESENTATION
Posters allow presenters to discuss their research with interested colleagues during a 90-minute block of time. SSWR uses ePoster technology. This technology, which is already common at health conferences, increases the possibilities for presenters to communicate research findings in exciting and dynamic forms. Electronic monitors that look like big screen televisions will enable an abbreviated slide or video presentation. Thus there is no longer a need to get a large poster printed a head of time and then lugged through airports on the way to the conference. Instead, poster presentations can now be transported on flash drives just like oral presentations. ePoster sessions are held concurrent with paper presentations.

Requirement(s):

  • Title
  • Research Method/Type
  • Cluster/Topical Area
  • Authors: there is no minimum/maximum of how many individuals may be listed as authors. However, only one (1) individual/author may be designated as the presenting author and all other authors are will be listed as co-authors. Please note that the role of “presenting author” may be designated to one of the authors, e.g. first author, second author, third author, etc.
  • An abstract of 500-word or less

SYMPOSIUM
A paper symposium provides for multiple oral research presentations to be made on a single theme involving a brief introduction by the organizer, a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 5 presenters, with one discussant (encouraged, though optional) and open discussion from the floor. The concurrent session is 90-minutes. Presenters have 15 minutes to present the core content and the discussant has 15 minutes to comment upon the presentations with 30 minutes reserved for interactive discussion, facilitated by the organizer, between the presenters and the session audience.

Requirement(s):

  • Title of the overall symposium
  • Research Method/Type of the overall symposium
  • Cluster/Topical Area of the overall symposium
  • Proposed 3-5 presentations within the symposium (see requirements in “Oral Paper Presentation” for each proposed presentation)
  • An abstract of 500-words or less that describes the overall symposium

We encourage that one person should submit all components of the symposium submission.

ROUNDTABLE
A roundtable submission does not present research findings, but rather addresses an area or issue of fundamental importance to the field, in a format that encourages a lively exchange of different points of views. Examples include training and funding opportunities in social work research, priorities in social work research, and advocacy for the use of scientific approaches to social work research.

The 90-minute roundtable should include a brief introduction clearly outlining the issues followed by each of the speakers elaborating on their different viewpoints and perspectives on the issue. Speakers facilitate extended open discussion with the session audience and the discussants.

Requirement(s):

  • Title of the roundtable
  • Research Method/Type of the roundtable
  • Cluster/Topical Area of the roundtable
  • Speakers: one organizer and a panel of minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 speakers is required. The organizer may be one of the panelists. Panel often include members/people outside the research community.
  • An abstract of 500-words or less that outlines the issue(s) and varying viewpoints that will be elaborated upon.

WORKSHOP
The workshops are primarily pedagogical, intended to offer training opportunities for methodology (study design, sampling, data collection, measurement, and analysis) with hands-on instruction and specific learning objectives. Past workshops have provided continuing education about an innovative or new area or methodology of import to social work practice, policy, theory, or research. The Program Committee encourages workshop proposals on any topic, as long as the workshop’s objective is to enable the audience to gain skills and knowledge that are important to social work research.

Workshop submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria: 1. The topic of the workshop adds to the current knowledge base by presenting information about an innovative or new area or methodology of import to social work practice, policy, theory, or research; 2. The pedagogical methods proposed in the submission are likely to ensure that this workshop will lead to significant learning by the participants; and, 3. The importance of this workshop to social work practice, policy or research is clear and meaningful.

Requirement(s):

  • Title of the workshop
  • Research Method/Type of the workshop
  • Cluster/Topical Area of the workshop
  • Speakers: one organizer and a panel of minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 speakers is required. The organizer may be one of the panelists. Panel often include members/people outside the research community.
  • An abstract of 500-words or less

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2025 CONFERENCE ABSTRACT CLUSTER CHAIRS

1. Adolescent and Youth Development (ADOL)
The Adolescent and Youth Development (ADOL) cluster serves as the main track for social work and research related to the healthy development and well-being of adolescents and young adults. This cluster includes topics related but not limited to adolescent and youth experiences of violence, disconnection, homelessness, substance misuse, health and behavioral health, and criminal justice involvement.  Adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, educational, workforce, and vocational development, and experiences in transitioning to adulthood. Work centered on youth and young adults with marginalized and intersectional identities is also supported and promoted.

Chairs: Dr. Genevieve Graff, The University of Texas at Arlington; Dr. Angela Malorni, Rutgers University; Dr. Theda Rose, University of Maryland; Dr. Yanfeng Xu, University of South Carolina

2. Aging Services and Gerontology (A&G)
The Aging Services and Gerontology (A&G) cluster serves as the main track for social work practice, policy, and research related to aging and the well-being of older adults (65 years and older). The cluster topics include long-term and palliative care, caregiving for older adults, productive aging, housing, physical, mental, and cognitive health, social networks and supports, elder abuse, health promotion and disease prevention, intergenerational relationships/grandparenting, case management, economic well-being, and technology. This cluster is particularly interested in abstract submissions on diverse, innovative approaches to aging, older adults’ health, and services that support their independence, well-being, and quality of life.

Chairs: Dr. Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, The Ohio State University; Dr. Jooyoung Kong, University of Wisconsin; Dr. Christina Miyawaki, University of Houston

3. American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Global Indigenous Populations (Indigenous Cluster)
The Indigenous cluster serves as the main track for social work practice, policy, and research related to Indigenous Peoples, Communities, and Populations. This cluster is particularly interested in abstracts that center Indigenous led and driven research, practice, and policy.

Chairs: Dr. Shanondora Billiott, Arizona State University; Dr. Claudette Grinnell-Davis, The University of Oklahoma

4. Asian and Asian-Pacific Islander-Focused Research (AAPIFR)
Dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of topics crucial to the health and well-being of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities, the API-Focused Research (APIFR) cluster serves as the primary track for social work and research within these communities. Organized into thematic categories, our focus areas include Health and Mental Health (encompassing substance use and prevention), Social and Cultural Dynamics (covering immigration, discrimination, civic participation, and culture), and Community and Policy Issues (with a focus on neighborhood/community dynamics, policy, and prejudice/discrimination). Encompassing such dynamic topics, APIFR cluster aims to illuminate the unique challenges faced by the API communities, offering a platform for abstract submissions proposing innovative approaches. We are particularly keen on contributions addressing health disparities, racial discrimination, and the enhancement of mental health interventions tailored to API communities. Your insights and innovations in these areas will contribute nuanced perspectives and solutions to the broader conference theme.

Chairs: Dr. Isok Kim, University at Buffalo; Dr. Hee Yun Lee, The University of Alabama; Dr. Saumya Tripathi, Binghamton University

5. Black and African Diaspora Focused-Research (BADFR)
The Black and African Diaspora Focused-Research (BADFR) cluster serves as the main track for social work research related to Black and African American people who descend from Africa. This cluster includes, but is not limited to, topics about the multifaceted experiences, histories, and contributions of people of African descent across the globe. Research in this area focuses on the impact of slavery, colonization, and systemic oppression on Black individuals and communities. This cluster also values scholarship that emphasizes the strengths, creativity, and agency of Black people to navigate and challenge these structures. It also explores themes of identity, belonging, migration, and cultural exchange within the context of the African Diaspora. Black and African Diaspora Focused research not only enriches our understanding of the past but also informs efforts to address present-day challenges and envisions a more equitable and inclusive future for Black communities globally.

Chairs: Dr. James Ellis, University of Michigan; Dr. McKenzie Green, Virginia Commonwealth University;  Dr. Abril Harris, University of Washington; Dr. Camille Quinn, University of Michigan

6. Child Welfare (CW)
The Child Welfare cluster is the primary track for research on the child welfare service system. This includes a broad range of programming: from prevention to intervention, family preservation, kinship and foster care, permanency/reunification, adoption, as well as system-level issues in child welfare policy, management, and workforce retention. The cluster seeks high quality research that uses innovative approaches to address challenges within child welfare services, including racial disproportionality and alternatives to traditional child welfare practice models.

Chairs: Dr. Miriam Landsman, University of Iowa; Dr. Erika Lewis, University of Maryland; Dr. Abigail Williams-Butler, Rutgers University

7. Communities and Neighborhoods (C&N)
The Communities and Neighborhoods (C&N) cluster serves as the main community-focused macro social work research track. This cluster includes topics such as research on all forms of community practice including but not limited to community organizing, community building, community development, and mutual aid; research that is community-engaged, community-based participatory research (CBPR), or youth participatory action research (YPAR); research on how communities are impacted by state or federal policies and practices; and research on how communities (place-based, identity-based, and interest-based) affect their members.

Chairs: Dr. Megan Gilster, University of Iowa; Dr. Amy Krings, Loyola University Chicago; Dr. Samantha Teixeira, Boston College

8. Crime and Criminal Justice (C&CJ)
The Crime and Criminal Justice (C&CJ) cluster serves as the all-inclusive track for social work research across juvenile and adult legal systems. This cluster highlights topics such as macro, mezzo, and micro issues pertaining to juvenile and adult legal systems, life-course development of crime and delinquency, physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs of individuals affected by the legal system, and research across the system continuum (prevention, intervention, treatment, reentry/reintegration). This cluster is particularly interested in research using innovative approaches – research questions, study design, methods, conceptualization – to disentangle the system and structural inequities endemic to the legal system.

Chairs: Dr. Pajarita Charles, University of Wisconsin; Dr. Aaron Gottlieb, The University of Chicago; Dr. Bo-Kyung Elizabeth Kim, University of Southern California

9. Disability (D)
The Disability cluster serves as a central track for social work research and practice focusing on disability-related issues. This cluster encompasses a broad range of topics, including but not limited to: inclusive education, accessibility in communities, disability rights and advocacy, social and employment barriers for people with disabilities, assistive technologies, health disparities in disability, mental health and disability, and intersectionality in disability experiences. We are particularly interested in abstract submissions that address innovative approaches, challenges, and solutions in the fields of disability research and practice.

Chairs: Dr. Kristina Lopez, Arizona State University; Dr. Stephen McGarity, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Dr. Laura Wernick, Fordham University

10. Gender (G)
The Gender cluster serves as the primary track related to research surrounding/engaging topics of gender, including transgender and gender diverse individuals. Topics include, but are not limited to; sexism, ciscexism, misogyny, transmisogyny, misogynoir, gender joy, gender euphoria, gender roles, etc., as well as gender as related to health/healthcare (including sexual/reproductive health and behavioral health), employment/labor, gender wealth gap, feminist economics, education, immigration, violence, families, parenting, connection, community organizing, policy, and justice. We are especially interested in work taking a critical, intersectional, and/or feminist lens, and welcome all methodologies and methods.

Chairs: Dr. Amy Beth Castro, University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Shanna Kattari, University of Michigan; Dr. Ankur Srivastava, University of North Carolina

11. Health (H)
The Health cluster focuses on the multifaceted landscape of health and social work in health settings. It delves into the intricate interplay between social and structural drivers of health, aiming to understand their profound impact on health and disease.

Key Themes:
Epidemiology, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: This theme explores the epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases, offering a comprehensive investigation of the multifaceted dimensions. Chronic diseases include cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19, among others. This theme examines the prevalence, risk and protective factors, screening and diagnosis methodologies, and treatment modalities.

Social and Structural Determinants of Health: Understanding health outcomes requires analyzing the broader social context in which individuals live. This theme investigates how social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and built environments, social and community context, and healthcare access and quality intersect with structural factors like systemic racism, discrimination, and policy decisions to shape health inequities.

Social Work Roles in Health & Interprofessional Teaming: Within this theme, the focus is on the provision of healthcare services and the role of health social workers in addressing the psychosocial needs of patients as well as working collaboratively with other professions for best outcomes. It explores strategies for delivering culturally competent care, promoting patient advocacy facilitating access to resources for marginalized populations, and addressing provider secondary traumatic stress.

Health Policy: This theme delves into the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policies at local, national, and global levels. It examines policy frameworks aimed at disease prevention, healthcare financing, access to care, and the promotion of population health.

Health Equity: Central to all themes in this cluster is the pursuit of health equity. It involves addressing systemic injustices, dismantling barriers to care, and fostering inclusive policies and practices that promote equitable health outcomes for diverse populations.

By exploring these interconnected themes, the Health cluster aims to advance knowledge, inform policy and practice, and ultimately contribute to the achievement of optimal health and well-being for all individuals and communities.

Chairs: Dr. Chiara Acquati, University of Houston; Dr. Julie Berrett-Abebe, Fairfield University; Dr. Yeonwoo Kim, The University of Texas at Arlington

12. Immigrants and Refugees (I&R)
The Immigrant and Refugee Study (I & R) cluster is a hub for social work research dedicated to the multifaceted field of migration. Our cluster encompasses a wide range of topics, reflecting our commitment to comprehensively understanding the complex issues that immigrants and forcibly displaced populations face. Some key areas of focus within our cluster include forced migration (with or without recognized legal documents by the receiving country), resettlement, immigration policy (e.g. border control and migration integration policy), human trafficking, internal displacement, statelessness, war and conflict, and the intersection of mental health with (forced) migration (e.g. intergenerational trauma). At the I & R cluster, we strive to shed light on the challenges and opportunities presented by migration in a world that is increasingly on the move. We welcome abstract submissions that explore and address various aspects of immigrant and refugee experiences, from the legal and policy dimensions to the psychological and social impacts. Our cluster is particularly interested in research and contributions that delve into the often-overlooked nuances and complexities of immigration, with a commitment to promoting inclusivity and understanding. We encourage scholars, practitioners, and advocates to join us in the exploration of these vital issues and contribute to the growing body of knowledge that informs policies and practices related to (forced) migration.

Chairs: Dr. Mary Held, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Dr. Wooksoo Kim, University at Buffalo; Dr. Mitra Naseh, Washington University in St. Louis

13. Inequality, Poverty, and Social Welfare Policy (IP&SWP)
The Inequality, Poverty, and Social Welfare Policy cluster concentrates on social policy and social work research that delves into examining, exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the impact of policy and practice innovations and interventions aimed at reducing poverty and economic inequality, promoting financial well-being, and enhancing social welfare.

Chairs: Dr. Jin Huang, St. Louis University; Dr. Kathryn Maguire-Jack, University of Michigan; Dr. Branden McLeod, University of Illinois at Chicago

14. International Social Work & Global Issues (ISW&GI)
The International Social Work & Global Issues (ISW&GI) cluster serves as a main track for social work research related to international social work and global issues. This cluster includes topics related to but not limited to comparative studies and cross-national research.

Chairs: Dr. Nataliia Gusak, Bryn Mawr College; Dr. Ifrah Magan, New York University; Dr. Proscovia Nabunya, Washington University in St. Louis

15. LatinX Focused-Research (LXFR)
The LatinX Focused-Research (LXFR) cluster is the main research track dedicated exclusively to the experiences of Latinx populations within a domestic (i.e., United States) and international context. This cluster includes topics related but not limited to: Latinx health and mental health, acculturation, social service access, implementation science, Latin American migration, community-engaged work with Latinx populations, and immigration-related issues.

Chairs: Dr. Manuel Cano, Arizona State University; Dr. María Piñeros Leaño, Boston College; Dr. Carolina Vélez Grau, Boston College

16. Mental Health (MH)
The mental health cluster serves as the main track for advancing mental health research related to culturally responsive prevention, screening, assessment, treatment/intervention, rehabilitation, policy, and evaluation. This cluster includes research on all topics related to mental health including but not limited to Depression and Anxiety Disorders; Serious Mental Illness; Mental Health Treatment and Services Co-morbidity; Systems of Care; Trauma Exposure; Trauma-Informed Care; Psychiatric Epidemiology; Prevention and Resilience; Culturally Responsive Practice; and Psychiatric/Psychotropic Medications.

Chairs: Dr. Amy Blank Wilson, University of North Carolina; Dr. Lindsay Bornheimer, University of Michigan; Dr. Quenette Walton, University of Houston

17. Military Service Members, Veterans and Their Families (MSVF)
The military service members, veterans and their families (MSVF) cluster serves as the main track focused on research about military and veteran populations. Cluster topics include military and veteran mental health, substance use/misuse, suicide, and homelessness. Additional topics include deployment stressors, combat exposures, deployment and post-deployment health, post-deployment reintegration, military sexual trauma, the military-to-veteran transition, and health services utilization in the Military Health System, Veterans Health Administration, and civilian health facilities. Additional populations of interest include military chaplains, military healthcare providers, military social workers, student veterans, women, racial and sexual minorities, military families, military spouses, military couples, and military children.

Chairs: Dr. Eric Hardiman, University at Albany; Dr. Donna Schuman, The University of Texas at Arlington; Dr. Nikki Wooten, University of South Carolina

18. Organizations & Management (O&M)
The O&M cluster concerns a wide range of research on organizational behaviors and management issues in various service fields. Most health, social, and human services are delivered within organizational settings, and many organizations engage in interdependent relationships with their environments. Thus, the cluster invites abstracts addressing the following topics at individual-level (e.g., user experience within organizations), relational level (e.g., user-provider interactions), organizational level (e.g., inter-organizational collaboration), and regional/system-level (e.g., public-nonprofit social service contracts) with various methodological approaches.

Chairs: Dr. Theresa Anasti, Washington University in St. Louis; Dr. Bridgette Davis, The University of Chicago; Dr. James Mendiberg, Hunter College

19. Race and Ethnicity (R&E)
The cluster serves as the main track for social work research related to issues, problems and analyses related to race and ethnicity. This cluster is particularly interested in abstract submissions that address pressing social problems, offer theoretical contributions, apply a critical lens and use innovative methodologies, such as historical, participatory, action-oriented, arts-based, big data and discursive methodologies. This cluster includes topics related but not limited to: Racial Policies, Issues, and Gaps, Anti-Racism, Racial and Ethnic Discrimination, Ethnic Minority Groups, Ethnic Minority Wellbeing.

Chairs: Dr. Odessa Gonzalez Benson, University of Michigan; Dr. Ryon Cobb, Rutgers University; Dr. Laila Noel, The University of Texas at Austin

20. Research Design and Measurement (RD&M)
The “Research Design and Measurement” cluster is pivotal in advancing social work research through innovative methodologies. It emphasizes the development and application of both quantitative and qualitative research designs, fostering methodological rigor and creativity. This content area is dedicated to exploring novel approaches for data collection, analysis, and interpretation, ensuring that research outcomes are reliable and impactful. It also prioritizes advancements in measurement techniques, enhancing the precision and accuracy of data in social work studies. This cluster serves as a methodological cornerstone for researchers aiming to contribute sound insights into the multifaceted field of social work research.

Chairs: Dr. Antoinette Farmer, Rutgers University; Dr. Michael Killian, Florida State University; Dr. Tanya Renn, Florida State University

21. Research on Social Work Education (RSWE)
Research on Social Work Education SSWR Cluster focuses on qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and conceptual ideas that highlight scholarship related to social work education. The primary aim of this track is to offer the latest and most advanced thinking regarding trends, innovations, opportunities, and challenges facing social work education with the goal of improving and enhancing the undergraduate, master’s, and postgraduate educational experience.

Chairs: Dr. Joan Blakey, University of Minnesota; Dr. Rolanda Ward, Niagara University; Dr. Ellie Wideman, Maryville University

22. School Social Work (SSW)
The School Social Work Cluster focuses on research examining, exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the role of school social work practices, interventions, and policies that influence student and school well-being. This includes, but is not limited to, research on school advocacy, policy, and leadership; school climate and culture; anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in schools; interprofessional collaboration; school health clinics; school discipline; student learning supports; student-teacher relationships; extracurriculars and out-of-school time activities tied to schools; school-based mental health interventions; crisis management; case management; student and family support services, and school-community partnerships.

Chairs: Dr. Samantha Bates, The Ohio State University; Dr. Laura Hopson, The University of Alabama; Dr. Kevin White, East Carolina University

23. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SO&GI)
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) cluster serves as the primary track for social work and research related to the lived experiences and health outcomes of sexual and gender minorities. This cluster includes topics related but not limited to: discrimination, gender, sexual health, sexual practices, youth, intersections of identity, relationships, community, belongingness, religion, policies, and culture.

Chairs: Dr. Daniel Jacobson Lopez, Boston University; Dr. Jama Shelton, Hunter College; Dr. Keith Watts, University of Kentucky

24. Social Work Practice (SWP)
The social work practice (SWP) cluster focuses on research that advances effective, ethical, and culturally competent practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Key areas of focus include intervention research and direct practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, ethical issues, and macro practice issues including policy practice and workforce development. Submissions should contribute to evidence-based social work practice as well as advancing social work values and ethical principles and may encompass various research methodologies and specific topic areas. Though all submissions will be considered, preference will be given to submissions that demonstrate alignment with SSWR’s Grand Challenges and the conference theme.

Chairs: Dr. Otima Doyle, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Ray Eads, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Jessica Bagneris, University of Houston

25. Substance Misuse and Addictive Behaviors (SM&AB)
The Substance Misuse and Addictive Behaviors cluster is the primary track for social work research on substances like alcohol, opioids, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs, and addictive behaviors such as gambling, sex, technology use, and more. Cluster-related research covers the entire lifespan and includes individuals, groups, families, and community contexts to understand substance misuse and addictive behavior dynamics. Submissions of intervention strategies, epidemiological investigations, policy analyses, assessment processes, and measurement exploration are encouraged. The cluster values innovative research that enhances recovery, deepens our understanding of root causes and prevalence, and influences societal responses to substance misuse and addictive behaviors.

Chairs: Dr. Dale Dagar Maglalang, New York University; Dr. Orion Mowbray, University of Georgia; Dr. Jennifer Putney, The University of Vermont

26. Sustainable Development, Environmental and Climate Justice (SDE&CJ)
The Sustainable Development, Environmental, and Climate Justice (SDE&CJ) cluster is dedicated to investigating and acting on the social and policy dimensions of global and local environmental change. The cluster encompasses practice, policy, and research inquiries into climate and environmental justice, including diverse dimensions such as food, water, and energy security and sovereignty, sustainable development, environmental sustainability, disaster impacts and risk reduction, intersections of migration and environmental change, as well as community impacts and actions in response to interconnected socio-environmental challenges.

Chairs: Dr. Marissa Kaloga, University of Otago; Dr. Felicia Mitchell, Arizona State University; Dr. Smitha Rao, The Ohio State University

27. Violence against Women and Children (VAWC)
The Violence Against Women and Children cluster serves as the main track for social work research, policy, and practice on gender-based violence, abuse, and harm that may include family violence, human trafficking, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and teen dating violence. The cluster is particularly interested in community-based participatory research, intersectional, mixed methods designs and intervention research.

Chairs: Dr. Meredith Bagwell-Gray, Kansas University; Dr. LB Klein, University of Wisconsin; Dr. Abha Rai, Loyola University Chicago; Dr. Leila Wood, University of Texas Houston Health

28. Work and Work-Life Policies and Programs (WWLP&P)
The Work and Work-Life Policies and Programs (WWLPP) cluster serves as the main track for social work research, policy, and practice related to labor conditions, work-life balance, and their effects on individuals and families in today’s economy. Topics include but are not limited to:

• Job conditions and dynamics: unemployment, underemployment, job quality
• Worker wellbeing: worker performance, occupational health and safety, and worker health and economic wellbeing
• Families and work: spillover of work on children and families, including economic wellbeing, parent-child relationships, mental health, child development, child care and early education programs
• Labor relations and management: unions and labor relations, management practices, occupational social work, workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Work-life policies and programs: employee assistance programs; workplace and government policies, such as paid family leave; labor standards; safety net policies and programs’ intersection with work; workplace-based interventions; job training and development
• Workplace inequality: inequality at work, effects of work on social inequality

Chairs: Dr. Yoonsook Ha, Boston University; Dr. Sehun Oh, The Ohio State University; Dr. Alejandra Ros Pilarz, University of Wisconsin

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Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, April 15, 2024

We look forward to seeing you in Seattle, WA!

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