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