March 2026
The Research and Science Policy Forum at the AERA 2026 Annual Meeting will convene leading voices from federal research agencies, academia, and the policy community to examine pressing issues at the intersection of education research and science policy. The forum will feature sessions on emerging policy developments, new research publications, and AERA initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of scientific evidence in decision-making, along with a discussion with leading education journalists on communicating research in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Complete information on all 2026 sessions is available on the AERA website, in the online program, and on the AERA Annual Meeting app.
Federal Research Agency Developments
National Science Foundation: Supporting STEM Education Research and Innovation Funding Opportunities and Program Officer Roundtable Friday, April 10, 2026, 9:45 to 11:15am Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 404AB
Reimagining the Institute of Education Sciences: Reflections and Perspectives from the Field Friday, April 10, 2026, 3:45 to 5:15pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 406AB
The Leadership Role and Research Priorities of the National Science Foundation (NSF) STEM Education Directorate (EDU): A Conversation With James L. Moore III, NSF EDU Assistant Director Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:45 to 11:15am Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 409AB
Recent Research Publications
Data and Computing in K–12 Education: Foundational Competencies – A Report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 1:45 to 3:15pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 404AB
Transforming the Special Education Workforce: Research and Complex Systems Perspectives – A New AERA Publication Thursday, April 9, 2026, 9:45 to 11:15am Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 403B
Looking Forward: Research Recommendations for Early Childhood Curriculum Friday, April 10, 2026, 9:45 to 11:15am Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 408B
School Active Shooter Drills: Mitigating Risks to Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health – A Report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1:45 to 3:15pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 403B
Communicating Research
From Evidence to Headlines: Engaging Journalists in Challenging Times Friday April 10, 2026, 11:45 to 1:15pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 501B
Charting Future Research Directions
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act at 60: Looking Back and Future Prospect (cosponsored by AERA Government Relations Committee) Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2:15 to 3:45pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 403A
Unforgetting Histories, Defending Futures: An Interactive Town Hall on Censorship and Democratic Schooling Friday, April 10, 2026, 1:45 to 3:15pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 511AB
Supporting Early Career Scholars in Education Research
The Perspectives of Deans on Navigating Graduate Student and Early Career Trajectories: An Open Discussion (cosponsored with AERA-CURI) Friday, April 10, 1:45 to 3:15pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 502A
Early Career Fellowship and Funding Opportunities Friday, April 10, 1:45 to 3:15pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two - Room 502A
AERA-Related Activities and Advancing the Field
A Fireside Chat with the Books Editorial Board: Charting Future Directions for the Field Friday, April 10, 11:45am to 1:15pm Los Angeles Convention Center, Level Two – Room 511AB
The Revision of the Testing Standards: Operations (Invited Joint AERA/NCME Session) Saturday, April 11, 7:45 to 9:15am InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, Floor: 5th Floor, Wilshire Grand Ballroom III