The proliferation of new digital data sources and the development of new programming languages that can quickly make sense of these data are changing the nature of how public policy makers and the general public understand how government works – and when it doesn’t. This discussion will focus on the road ahead for data and social science, how to communicate better when the lanes merge, and what this all means for getting to better-informed policies and programs that improve public well-being.

APPAM has always supported government data. Having worked for 25 years in the Federal Statistical System, I have seen first-hand the importance of high quality data and the direct influence it has on government policy. And this is only possible because of sufficient funding, leadership, and dedicated staff.

Support the meaningful work of early career professionals through the 40 for 40 Fellowship. The essential work from these scholars will shape the future of public policy research. Our goal is to provide opportunities to grow their professional networks and share their research with the broader policy audience.

As an applied microeconomist who studies the causes and consequences of a range of public policies, I have always felt like APPAM is my primary intellectual home. Part of this fondness goes back to my first experiences at the Fall Research Conferences in the early 2000's. A core group of scholars studying policy issues related to sexual minorities would organize a research session each year. Relative to those first few years of mostly empty rooms, we have come a long way.