At a time of significant challenges for education research, AERA convened 70 deans and associate deans at colleges of education and leaders at research institutions for the 2025 Fall Policy Conference of the AERA Consortium of University and Research Institutions (AERA-CURI), held September 28–30 at the Dr. Felice J. Levine Convening Center at AERA in Washington, D.C.
The annual conference provided a timely forum for leaders to examine how education research institutions can navigate a shifting federal policy landscape, sustain research integrity, and support the next generation of scholars. The conference opened with a New Deans Orientation, which created space for new institutional leaders to share experiences and reflect on pressing issues in their first years of service.
Over the meeting, participants engaged in candid conversations with experts from higher education, the media, and national education and science coalitions. Sessions explored how research leaders can respond when their institutions come under attack, how to frame effective narratives in challenging times, and how to strengthen communication within and beyond the academy. Speakers included Art Coleman (Education Counsel), Stephanie Rowley (University of Virginia), Jill Barshay (The Hechinger Report), and Erin Hennessy (TVP Communications).
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