09/10/2025
Day 1, recap: after a day of panels, including the first of our Presidential Discussant sessions with Dr. Johanna Thomas from the University of Arkansas University of Arkansas - Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Center for Social Research on gun violence.
We capped the day with President Julie Baldwin's Presidential Address & reception! The reception after was a hit, including a bounty of fresh seafood: stone crab claws, shrimp, and oysters.
Dr. Baldwin, Research Professor & Director of Center for Research & Collaborative Partnerships at American University School of Public Affairs, spoke to the theme of this year's meeting, "Bridging the Gap: Advancing Research to Practice". She discussed the imperative of science in developing sound policy and practice. As she wrote in the program, discussants and the address "promote discussion on how to take the presented research to the next step to inform practice, policy, programming, and other areas that make a difference in people's lives." Discussants were chosen for their, "extensive experience in [their] panel topic and, for many, also their dedicated work in having research make an impactful difference on the ground beyond the ivory tower." You will see the sessions with Presidential Discussants noted on the “At a Glance” pages, as well as in blue in the daily schedules.
We also had the first of our three raffles, benefitting the local non-profit FAVOR Low Country! All three nights' raffle proceeds will be donated to this local organization, which supports people overcoming substance use disorder and their families. We look forward to hearing from FAVOR during the Thursday luncheon.
