We encourage all students of all levels to participate in the following events at SSWR 2026!
“Meet the Scientist” Luncheon (separate fee required) REGISTER NOW
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 12:15 PM-1:30 PM, Eastern
- Organizers: Justin Harty, PhD, Early Career Director-at-Large, Arizona State University, Fatima Mabrouk, MSW, Doctoral Student Director-at-Large, New York University
The Society for Social Work and Research will be holding the annual Meet the Scientist Luncheon. This special session provides a forum for early career scholars including doctoral students, post docs, and assistant professors to talk and interact with invited scholars from all levels (postdocs, and assistant to full professor) who are leaders in social work research and the Society. Participants are encouraged to sit with invited scholars who are at career levels of interest and/or have similar research or advocacy interests. Early career scholars will have the opportunity to ask questions about career development, challenges in the field, research initiatives, and where the field might be heading. Each invited scholar will be seated at a table with up to 6 early career scholars.
Student Session and Luncheon
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12:30 PM-1:45 PM, Eastern
Title: Resisting Erasure: Upholding Social Work Ethics Amid Censorship and State Violence Against DEI advocates, Immigrant, and LGBTQ+ Communities
Panelists: Dr. Leslie Hall, American University; Dr. Autumn Asher BlackDeer, University of Denver; Dr. Shanna Kattari, University of Michigan; Dr. Laurie Cook Heffron, St. Edward’s University
Abstract: In a political climate increasingly focused on censoring education and research, criminalizing immigrants, suppressing LGBTQ+ rights, and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, upholding social work ethics and professional conduct is more critical than ever. This panel invites scholars to discuss how social work doctoral students, practitioners, and scholars can contribute to resisting the ongoing violence against immigrants—both documented and undocumented—gender and sexual minorities, and DEI advocates.
Panelists will share their perspectives on the role of the profession in resisting oppression through an intersectional lens, while supporting and preserving the integrity of research, teaching, and service. Emphasis will be placed on our ethical obligation to social justice and human rights. The panel will highlight the intersectionality of oppression and the necessity for communities to work together collectively toward liberation for all.
Mentor Match Program
“Coffee with a Scholar”: organized by the SSWR Doctoral Committee for the SSWR 2026 Annual Conference that will be held in Washington, DC, January 14-18, 2026. The goal of the program is to facilitate a potential mentorship opportunity for doctoral students by coordinating one-to-one meetings between faculty and researchers at other institutions over the course of the SSWR 2026 Annual Conference. We expect these meetings to take the form of an hour-long coffee date during the conference. This is a great opportunity for faculty and students across institutions to connect! Sign up deadline is 12/1/2025. SSWR will make the best efforts to match applications received by deadline. If you would like more information, please contact Jordan Goodwin and Nadia Neimanas at nneimana@asu.edu. Thank you for your interest in our mentorship program.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) provides opportunities for students to “earn” their registration fee by volunteering at the SSWR 2026 Annual Conference. Volunteers assist with registration, monitor sessions (handout materials, count the number of attendees in each session, assist presenters with AV needs, sign CEU forms) and provide directions to attendees. Volunteers are expected to contribute a total of six (6) hours of time during the conference. Student volunteers must watch a 20-minute training video before their first volunteer shift. Students who are also presenters may schedule their volunteer time so it does not conflict with their presentations. Learn more.