Political Science Research Exchange
Following the cancellation of the annual conference, MPSA created a new hub for sharing research and getting feedback: The Political Science Research Exchange. The deadline for research submissions was Monday, May 11. Thank you to all who are participating by submitting to our 2020 Conference Repository of Papers and Slidecast presentations, and to those who have volunteered to serve as a discussant. Discussants and research are currently being matched and participants will be contacted as soon as matches are made and papers are made available.
Bert and Phyllis Lamb Prize in Political Science Call for Nominations
The Bert & Phyllis Lamb Prize in Political Science promotes the value of education by supporting and rewarding undergraduate papers that best combine innovation, breadth of knowledge, and good writing within the field of Political Science. The prize consists of a $1,000 cash award, plaque, on-line publication of the winning paper, plaque, one-year membership in the Western Social Science Association, and reimbursement for travel to the WSSA annual convention to accept the Prize (up to $1,000). Visit www.lambprize.org for more information. Deadline for nominations is February 19, 2021.
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Lucius J. Barker
We are saddened by the passing of Dr. Lucius J. Barker, former MPSA president, trailblazing scholar and brilliant leader in the political science discipline. A tribute of his accomplisments can be found here. Dr. Barker's family will be holding a virtual memorial service on Saturday, July 11 at 1:00 p.m. EST. To join the celebration of his life, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB6MIIKwvNo&feature=youtu.be.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Accepting Applications for the 2021-2022 Academic Year
At a time when we face global challenges, international engagement is more important than ever. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers opportunities for scholars in all disciplines to advance their research and teaching interests, promote mutual understanding, and collaborate with scholars abroad. We have opportunities to match your goals and availability. There are over 450 awards in more than 125 countries, and many are open to all disciplines. The complete list of opportunities can be found in the Catalog of Awards. Opportunities range from 2 to 12 months in length and include flexible options for multiple shorter visits to many host countries. Additionally, some awards provide dependent support for scholars wishing to bring family members. The program is accepting applications for the 2021 – 2022 academic year through September 15, 2020. U.S. citizenship is required.
Nominations Open for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Awards
The AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology Awards recognize scientists and engineers who demonstrate excellence in their contribution to public engagement with science. AAAS offers two awards for public engagement. The AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science recognizes early career scientists and engineers (7 years or less since terminal degree) while the AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science recognizes established mid-career and senior scientists and engineers. The recipient of each award receives a monetary prize of $5,000, and recognition at the 2021 AAAS Annual Meeting. Nominations for the 2021 awards cycle are open and the deadline is June 30, 2020. AAAS sponsors a wide range of awards and prizes, learn more here: https://www.aaas.org/aaas-awards.
Invitation to Participate in UCL Study on Research Practices in Social Science
Your participation is requested for a 10-minute online questionnaire focusing on research practices in social science research, by University College London, U.K. The study focuses on factors that influence research practices. Your honest and realistic answers on research practices in this anonymous survey will greatly help to identify trends in social science research. Thank you for your precious time, and hopefully you will find the questionnaire interesting. To participate, please visit: https://uclpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bwIOCokNOD0HC6h
Census Releases First COVID-19 Household Data
The Census Bureau has released the first data from its new COVID-19 Household Pulse Survey, which asks over 50,000 Americans about their employment status, spending patterns, food security, housing, physical and mental health, access to health care, and educational disruption during the coronavirus pandemic (see previous coverage). The data, which covers April 23-May 5, was released as tables and through an interactive dashboard. More information about the survey is available on the Census Bureau website. Data will continue to be released on a weekly basis throughout the survey's 90-day duration. In addition, the Census Bureau has released data on the pandemic's impact on small businesses collected by its Small Business Pulse Survey.
National Academies Holds Webinar on COVID-19 and Extreme Environmental Events
The National Academies Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Board on Environmental Change and Society and Resilient America Roundtable convened a webinar on May 13 to discuss the social science aspects of potential emergencies that compound the current COVID-19 crisis with environmental hazards, such as fires, hurricanes, flooding, and heatwaves. The event featured experts from federal government agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as universities, and nonprofit and community organizations. Panelists discussed the challenges of responding to emergencies and natural disasters amidst a pandemic and the need for social science to shed more light on how individuals and communities are likely to respond to such situations. A recording of the event is available on the NASEM website.
Recordings of COVID-19-Related COSSA Headlines Webinars Now Available
In recognition of the severity of the current coronavirus crisis, COSSA has elected to make recordings of its members-only Headlines webinars related to the pandemic available immediately, rather than waiting an additional month to release the recordings to non-members. Check out the Headlines page on the COSSA website for links to previous recordings, including our most recent deep dive discussion with University of Florida epidemiologist Natalie Dean, who called for social scientists to weigh in on critical questions such as how best to facilitate contact tracing and providing insight into factors that could affect the public's reaction to a potential vaccine. Other Headlines discussions related to COVID-19 focused on communication strategies in an emerging public health crisis and the role of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in coordinating science agencies' response. COSSA members can sign up for members-only emails to receive information on how to join these webinars live.
Resources for Online Teaching and Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects about the way we live, work and interact with one another. Many universities have transitioned to online learning to protect the health, safety and well-being of faculty and students. The MPSA has curated some resources to provide assistance to both faculty and students who are teaching and learning in this new online educational environment. https://www.mpsanet.org/Professional-Development/Resources-for-Online-Teaching-and-Learning
IIE-SRF Partnerships for Scholar Advancement Seeks Advisors
The Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) through their Partnerships for Scholar Advancement (PSA) program seeks advisors who commit to offering time, advice, and/or networks to help IIE-SRF fellows overcome obstacles that may prevent the fellow from reaching her or his career goals. Fellows are accomplished scholars who having faced threats to their lives and careers in their home countries, have been awarded one- to two-year fellowships worldwide to resume their research and teaching. Advisorships are among the most effective ways for displaced fellows to work through challenges to securing longer-term positions and opportunities in academia and related sectors. Possible advisor roles include CV/resume assistance, cover letter preparation, career advice, etc. For additional information, please visit the IIE-SRF PSA program page or contact Olga Gregorian at ogregorian@iie.org.
An Invitation to Submit News Items
Please share news of promotions, awards (calls for nomination and recipient announcements welcome), and other good news by submitting the information via this brief form. MPSA staff will verify the information prior to sharing on the website, in the monthly newsletter (delivered mid-month), and in social media (as appropriate).