Call for Volunteer Abstract Reviewers

Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Apply to be a Volunteer Abstract Reviewer Now!

SSWR is pleased to invite current SSWR members and past reviewers to serve as volunteer abstract reviewers for the 2027 Annual Conference “Social Work Research at the Service of Democracy: Advancing Rigorous Inquiry for the Common Good,” which will be held January 20-24, 2027, in San Francisco, CA. The abstract review process is central to maintaining the scholarly rigor, quality, and integrity of the conference program, and we rely on the expertise of our members to ensure that submissions receive thoughtful and constructive evaluation.

Serving as an abstract reviewer requires a modest time commitment and is an important way for members to contribute to the work of SSWR. Participation also provides an opportunity to help shape the conference program and ensure that it reflects the breadth and depth of current social work research. We hope you will consider volunteering to assist with this important process.

Why Serve as a Volunteer Abstract Reviewer?

Serving as an abstract reviewer allows you to:

  • Contribute to shaping the scholarly program of the 2027 Annual Conference
  • Engage with cutting-edge research before it is presented
  • Support the professional development of scholars across the field
  • Participate in a vital service role within the academic community

Reviewer Eligibility

Volunteer abstract reviewers must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a PhD or DSW in social work or social welfare (or serve on social work faculty)
  • Maintain an active program of research
  • Possess relevant expertise aligned with SSWR conference clusters and topical areas

Reviewer Responsibilities

Volunteer abstract reviewers will be asked to:

  • Review a set of assigned abstracts within the designated review period
  • Evaluate submissions based on established criteria, including scholarly merit, methodological rigor, relevance to the conference theme and cluster, and contribution to the field
  • Provide fair, objective, and constructive feedback through the online review system
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding submitted materials

Volunteer abstract reviewers will receive detailed evaluation criteria and guidance prior to the review period.

Abstract Review Process and Time Commitment

The abstract review process is conducted through a blind peer-review system, and the participation of qualified scholars is essential to maintaining the quality of the conference program.

Volunteer abstract reviewers can expect to:

  • Spend approximately 10–15 minutes per abstract
  • Review approximately 15–20 abstracts

The abstract review period will run May 16–30, 2026. To ensure that authors receive timely notifications (anticipated by early to mid-September), all reviewers are expected to submit their scores by May 30.

Volunteer abstract reviewers who complete their assignments will receive two (2) SSWR Fellows points. The more members who volunteer, the fewer abstracts each reviewer will be asked to evaluate and the more efficiently the review process can be completed.

SSWR Mentor–Student Review Opportunity

SSWR encourages PhD student members to participate in the abstract review process through a mentor–student review model. Mentors may form either a Mentor–Student Review Pair or a Mentor–Student Review Group.

Mentors identify one or more doctoral student mentees (SSWR does not match mentors and mentees). Only the mentor registers as the official reviewer. During the sign-up process, mentors will provide the names and information of participating mentees.

Mentors are responsible for:

  • Sharing assigned abstracts and scoring criteria with their mentee(s)
  • Entering final scores into the online abstract review system
  • Ensuring all reviews are submitted by the deadline
  • Confirming mentee participation after the review process concludes

Both mentors and mentees will be acknowledged as members of the Abstract Review Committee.

How to Volunteer

Individuals interested in serving as volunteer abstract reviewers must complete the Volunteer Abstract Reviewer Interest Form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2027REVIEWERS) by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. See Addendum A for the volunteer abstract reviewer interest form.

Selected volunteer abstract reviewers will receive additional instructions, reviewer guidelines, and access to the online review system prior to the start of the review period.

We greatly appreciate the time and expertise contributed by our reviewers. Your service helps ensure a high-quality and intellectually vibrant conference program.

Apply to be a Volunteer Abstract Reviewer Now!

Questions

If you have questions, please contact A. DeeJay Hastings, IOM, CAE, SSWR Program Director, dj@sswr.org

Addendum A

SSWR 2027 Annual Conference – Volunteer Abstract Reviewer Interest Form

The volunteer abstract reviewer application form will request the following information:

Eligibility Confirmation: Please check off the criteria that you possess. If you answer no to 1 or more of these criteria, you would not be eligible to review abstracts for the SSWR conference at this time. Therefore, please do not complete this form. We encourage you to apply for the future when all eligibility requirements are met.

  • Hold a PhD or DSW in social work or social welfare (or serve on social work faculty)
  • Maintain an active program of research
  • Possess relevant expertise aligned with SSWR conference clusters and topical areas
  • Current member of SSWR

Volunteer Status: Have you reviewed abstracts for the SSWR conference before?

  • Yes, I have reviewed abstracts for the SSWR conference before.
  • No, this is my first time applying to become a volunteer abstract reviewer for the SSWR conference.

Contact Information

  • Full Name
  • Position Title
  • Institution/Organization
  • Email
  • Phone

Academic Background

  • Highest Degree
  • Year Degree Awarded
  • Degree Discipline
  • Institutional/University profile link or CV

Cluster and Topical Areas

Please select up to three (3) topical areas across all conference clusters.

(List of all 29 clusters and their respective topics)

Research Methods / Types

Please indicate your areas of methodological expertise (check all that apply).

(List of research methods/types)

Mentor–Student Review Participation

  • Are you applying to serve as a mentor reviewer? (Yes/No)

If yes, please provide mentee information:

  1. Full Name
  2. Institution/Organization
  3. Email

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

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