Social Scientists’ Input Needed for Important Federal Research Programs
CISS affiliates and BU social scientists are encouraged to weigh in on these two major national concerns: the future of NSF’s Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) directorate, and the future of National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data sets.
COSSA Action Alert: Tell Congress to Save NSF’s Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate!
As COSSA (Consortium of Social Science Associations) has been reporting, the Trump Administration has proposed eliminating the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) Directorate in FY 2027. Advocates have been working tirelessly over the last several months to demonstrate to Congress the importance of SBE and the critical contributions made by social and behavioral science research. In fact, nearly 3,000 letters have been sent to Congress in response to COSSA’s Action Alert issued earlier this spring, urging lawmakers to save SBE.
This work is not done. Too many Members of Congress remain unaware of this issue and need to be contacted immediately. Therefore, even if you have already sent a letter to your representatives in Congress, COSSA asks that you promptly follow up with the new message.
It is especially important that Congress hear from the research community NOW. Why? Before leaving Washington for their August recess, the House and Senate began consideration of a continuing resolution (CR) that would push their deadline for passing the annual appropriations bills into December (FY 2027 officially begins October 1). The annual NSF appropriations bill is a vehicle advocates have been pursuing to save SBE. However, it is likely that the deadline to complete work on that bill will be delayed, increasing concerns that NSF will act to dismantle SBE without Congressional authorization. NSF needs to hear from Congress NOW!
Members of Congress are back in their home states for the month of August. This is a great time to engage with them locally, by attending a town hall meeting or scheduling a local in-person meeting. Use COSSA’s At-Home Advocacy Guide for tips on how you can take additional steps to save SBE while your elected officials are home for the summer. Use COSSA’s At-Home Advocacy Guide for tips on how you can take additional steps to save SBE while your elected officials are home for the summer.
Please provide input on a proposed redesign of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Social scientists also are encouraged to provide input on a proposed redesign of the NHIS, set for implementation in 2028. This redesign is intended to help NCHS continue producing high‑quality data that supports public health decision-making and research, while also incorporating lower-cost data collection modes and making the survey easier for the people who participate.
Key highlights of the proposal:
◾ A sequential mixed-mode data collection approach beginning with self-response (online or paper), with in-person follow-up for some households.
◾ Shorter, less complex adult and child questionnaires to reduce respondent burden.
If you are a data user or potential participant, your expertise and perspective can help shape the future of national health data collection. Learn more and access draft questionnaires on the NHIS 2028 Questionnaire Redesign page:
2028 NHIS Questionnaire Redesign | National Health Interview Survey | CDC
The deadline for comments is October 20, 2026.