Call for Papers

Call for Papers Now Available!

“Social Work Research at the Service of Democracy: Advancing Rigorous Inquiry for the Common Good”

Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026

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For questions, please contact A. DeeJay Hastings, IOM, CAE, SSWR Program Director.

Brief Overview

The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) is pleased to announce that the Call for Papers for the 2027 Annual Conference is now available.

This year’s theme is “Social Work Research at the Service of Democracy: Advancing Rigorous Inquiry for the Common Good.” Social work research is a catalyst for building a more just, inclusive, and vibrant democracy for the common good, where every person participates equitably and communities thrive. At a moment when our society is being reshaped, it offers pathways of understanding that bring people together and ensure that no one is left behind. By grounding policies and practices in research evidence and compassion, our work creates bridges across difference and nurtures communities where equity and dignity can flourish. Applied research becomes not just a tool of accountability, but a source of innovation and hope—strengthening the bonds that connect us all. With a steadfast commitment to inclusive and rigorous inquiry, we help imagine and realize a future where democratic principles are not only protected but fully alive, and where every voice contributes to the flourishing of society.

We warmly invite scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students from across the social work research community to submit their work and be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary exchange of ideas. The SSWR Annual Conference is the premier international forum for advancing rigorous social work research and translating evidence into policy and practice that strengthens communities and promotes the common good.

Whether you are sharing new empirical findings, methodological innovations, theoretical contributions, or applied research with real-world impact, your voice matters. We especially encourage submissions that reflect diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary approaches, and research that addresses pressing social challenges.

The objectives of the conference are to:

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

Join us in shaping a conference that inspires dialogue, fosters collaboration, and advances the future of social work research.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming you to SSWR 2027.

2027 Call for Papers Materials

      • Workshops and Roundtables: These examples are included to provide guidance to authors; however, there may be instances in which another format is preferable.

Tentative 2027 Timeline (subject to change)

  • Feb 2026: CFP Disseminated
  • Early-Mar 2026: CFP Online Submission Opens
  • Apr 15, 2026: CFP Online Submission Closes
  • May-Jul 2026: Abstract Multi-Stage Review Process (handled by cluster chairs and volunteer peer reviewers)
  • Aug 15, 2026: Abstract Decision-Making Process (handled by cluster chairs)
  • Sep 8, 2026: Abstract Status Notifications to Presenting Authors, Presenters/Speakers, Organizers, and Discussants
  • Oct 2026: Presentation Schedule Notifications to Presenting Authors, Presenters/Speakers, Organizers, Discussants, and Moderators
  • Nov 2026: Orientation and Q&A Webinar for Flash Talk and Grouped Paper Session Presenters and Moderators

Membership and Conference Registration Policy for Presenting Authors and Speakers

Submission of an abstract for the 2027 conference does not require a current membership. However, all individuals whose abstracts are accepted for presentation are required to join or renew SSWR membership for the 2027 membership year and register for the 2027 Annual Conference no later than December 31, 2026.

This policy applies to all presenting roles such as oral paper, flash talk, and poster presenting authors; symposium organizers and discussants; symposium paper presenting authors; workshop and roundtable speakers; Special Interest Group (SIG) conveners; and Brief and Brilliant presenting authors.

Co-authors listed on accepted abstracts are exempt from this requirement unless they plan to attend the conference, in which case conference registration is required. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for participation in the conference program.

Cluster Chair Roles and Responsibilities in the Abstract Review and Development of the Abstract-based Program Content of the SSWR 2027 Annual Conference

Cluster Co-Chairs play a significant role in the abstract review and development of the abstract-based program content for the SSWR 2027 annual conference. The multi-stage abstract review process, which is led by the Cluster Co-Chairs, is intrinsic to a successful, impactful, and scientifically rigorous research conference. We could not offer the conference without the energy that volunteer reviewers, Cluster Co-Chairs, and staff devote to the abstract review process.

For questions, contact:

A. DeeJay Hastings, IOM, CAE (she/her)
SSWR Program Director
dj@sswr.org

 

 

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