Putting Social Science to Work for Society

Fall 2019 Issues in Science and Technology Launch Event

Social science research—spanning disciplines as diverse as economics, anthropology, political science, and psychology—illuminates the inner workings of human behavior and society. How can this research be effectively applied to discover solutions to some of society’s most complex and formidable problems? And what role can universities play in transforming the social sciences into drivers of societal improvement?

These questions are at the heart of “Retrofitting Social Science for the Practical & Moral,” Kenneth Prewitt’s feature article in the latest edition of Issues in Science and Technology. Prewitt, a professor at Columbia University and former director of the US Census Bureau, will discuss his article at the launch event for the Fall 2019 Issues on November 20 in Washington, DC. He’ll be joined by Mary Ellen O’Connell (National Academies), Jed Herrmann (Results for America), and Toby Smith (Association for American Universities) in a wide-ranging exploration of how this research can better serve society.

Lunch will be provided, and we will be livestreaming the event for those who can’t attend in person. Space is limited, so register soon!

Location Information

ASU Barrett & O’Connor Center
1800 I St NW
8th Floor
Washington, DC 20006

Speakers

Kenneth Prewitt

Carnegie Professor of Public Affairs, Columbia University

Special Advisor to the President

Kenneth Prewitt is the Carnegie Professor of Public Affairs. He taught Political Science at the University of Chicago from 1965–1982, and for shorter stints was on the faculty of Stanford University, Washington University, the University of Nairobi, Makerere University and…

Mary Ellen O’Connell

Executive Director, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine

Mary Ellen O’Connell is the executive director of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (National Academies). She previously served as DBASSE deputy executive director, with primary responsibility…

Jed Herrmann

Vice President, State and Federal Policy Implementation, Results for America

Jed Herrmann is Vice President for State and Federal Policy Implementation at Results for America, where he leads the organization’s work to help state governments and federal agencies get better results by improving their use of data and evidence. Previously,…

Tobin Smith

Vice President for Policy, Association for American Universities

Toby Smith has served at AAU since January 2003. As Vice President for Policy, he oversees AAU’s policy projects, initiatives and activities including the AAU Undergraduate STEM education and PhD education initiatives. He is responsible for matters relating to science…