Overview
The Task Force on Safeguarding Social Work Research, established by the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) in 2025, proactively responds to increasing governmental threats targeting science and specifically social work research. Led by SSWR board members and fellows, the Task Force defends and promotes ethical and rigorous social work research through advocacy, public education, and community building. Its core mission is to ensure that social work research continues to effectively inform equitable, just, and practical solutions to complex societal issues, while integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism into all its strategic initiatives.
Click here to view current and future initiatives.
Below is a detailed summary of the Task Force, including its leadership, purpose, mission, and key strategies:
Purpose of the Task Force
In alignment with the Society for Social Work and Research’s (SSWR) Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, this Task Force will defend our longstanding commitment to advance social work research in response to government threats that undermine science generally, and social work research specifically. Through advocacy, education, and coalition-building, the Task Force will:
- Protect and advance social work research capacity
- Safeguard core values of ethical and rigorous research
- Ensure that social work research continues to inform policy and practice in ways that promote social justice and equitable solutions to complex social problems.
Task Force Mission
To advance social work research and improve support for research among social workers.
Task Force Vision
To advance, disseminate, and translate research that addresses issues of social work practice and policy and promotes a diverse, just, and equitable society.
Task Force Leadership Co-Chairs:
- Dr. Mary Ohmer, SSWR Past Vice President, University of Pittsburgh
- Dr. Justin Harty, SSWR Early Career Director-at-Large, Arizona State University
- Fatima Mabrouk, SSWR Student Director-at-Large, New York University
- Dr. Cheryl Hyde, SSWR Fellow, SIG Co-Convener, Community & Neighborhood Research, Temple University
Key Strategies
Strategy #1: Advance and Defend Social Work Research through Advocacy
- Explore and develop specific advocacy actions that SSWR can undertake in response to government threats.
- Research, share, and/or develop tools and training on effective advocacy strategies and approaches for members, both as individual citizens and as part of local, regional, and national efforts.
- Integrate principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and anti-racism into all Task Force initiatives.
- Alignment with SSWR Strategic Plan:
- Goal 2: Strengthen & Diversify SSWR Membership (Objective 2)
- Goal 3: Advance Research Capacity and Skills to inform Solutions to Complex Problems (Objectives 2, 3, 4)
Strategy #2: Increase Public Awareness and Utilization of Social Work Research
- Enhance public awareness efforts to clearly demonstrate the significant impact of social work research on addressing urgent societal needs and complex problems, reaffirming social work and SSWR as trusted and responsive advisors for legislators and the wider community.
- Foster strong partnerships among researchers, practitioners, community stakeholders, and policymakers to ensure that social work research is effectively integrated into meaningful dialogue and action.
- Alignment with SSWR Strategic Plan:
- Goal 3: Advance Research Capacity and Skills to inform Solutions to Complex Problems (Objectives 2, 3, 5)
- Goal 4: Enhance SSWR Communications (Objectives 1, 2)
Strategy #3: Provide Education, Support, and Community Building Opportunities for Social Work Researchers and Partners
- Offer targeted training and mentorship programs designed to empower social work scholars at all career levels to effectively navigate funding limitations, political pressures, and institutional constraints.
- Disseminate valuable resources to equip social work researchers with the knowledge and tools necessary to counter anti-DEI, anti-science, and anti-democratic policies, as well as exclusionary rhetoric and policy agendas.
- Provide safe and judgment-free spaces that foster open conversations, meaningful connections, and strong community building among social work researchers facing similar professional challenges.
- Alignment with SSWR Strategic Plan:
- Goal 1: Improve SSWR Operational Excellence (Objectives 1, 2)
- Goal 2: Strengthen & Diversify SSWR Membership (Objective 2)
- Goal 3: Advance Research Capacity and Skills to inform Solutions to Complex Problems (Objectives 1, 2, 4)
Current and Future Initiatives
Navigating the Social Work Job Market in Challenging Times Webinar: Strategies for Doctoral Students, Postdocs, and Supporting Faculty
November 6, 2025 | 2:00 – 3:30 pm Eastern
Deadline to register November 4, 2025.
Learn more here: https://sswr.org/sswr-webinars/