Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN): Facilitating Rapid and Actionable Responses to Social, Behavioral, and Economic-Related Questions

Summit

The Future of Youth Development: Vision to Action Summit

October 14, 2025

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Past

Agenda

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Materials

NAS Building Floor Plan

About

Youth development is essential to the well-being and success of young people, providing them with the relationships, environments, and opportunities they need to thrive. Out-of-school time (OST) programs are a powerful part of this ecosystem — serving as a bridge between school, home, and community. These programs offer safe, supportive spaces for children and youth to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

To help guide the next era of youth development, the National Academies recently released The Future of Youth Development: Building Systems and Strengthening Programs — a consensus report that charts the growth, complexity, and promise of the field, while offering concrete recommendations to expand access and impact.

Now, it’s time to move from vision to action.

The National Academies’ Board on Children, Youth, and Families and the Societal Experts Action Network will co-host an implementation summit designed to turn insights into strategies. This action-oriented gathering will spotlight the roles of state and local leaders, intermediaries, and key youth development actors. Through expert panels, state and local success stories, and collaborative tabletop discussions, participants will explore how to build stronger systems, scale what works, and ensure that all young people have access to high-quality OST opportunities.

This summit will convene in the Great Hall.

Contact

Anthony Mann

AMann@nas.edu

Location

National Academy of Sciences Building

2101 Constitution Ave NW

Washington DC 20418, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Opportunities for Doing Social-Environmental Research with Little to No Funding

September 22, 2025

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)

Past

Agenda

Download the Agenda

Materials

About

Graduate students, post-docs, and early-career faculty engaged in social-environmental research face an unprecedented research landscape. Decreased federal research funding will constrain their ability to continue their personal research programs, from dissertations to faculty research plans. Low-cost primary data collection, re-analysis of secondary data, creative use of available datasets, meta-analysis of existing studies, and localized field work can all be potential solutions. The Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN), the Board on Environmental Change and Society (BECS), and the Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine will host a webinar that showcases practical, low-cost methods to sustain meaningful environmental and societal research during times of limited financial support. The webinar is aimed at supporting graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty in environmental, social science, and associated disciplines.

Contact

Annie DiRenzo

sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Summit

Addressing the Impact of School Active Shooter Drills on Health and Wellbeing: Vision to Action Summit

August 25, 2025

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Past

About

Active shooter drills have become a common practice in U.S. Schools—95% of public K–12 schools conduct them, and many states mandate their use. However, there is little consistency in how drills are implemented or in how schools communicate about them. Practices vary widely, often without clear guidance on how to minimize the potential harms to the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of students and staff. The National Academies’ forthcoming consensus report, School Active Shooter Drills: Mitigating Risks to Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health, examines how school active shooter drills and broader school security measures affect school climate and individual wellbeing, and offers recommendations to help schools reduce potential harms while supporting safety.

The National Academies’ Board on Children, Youth, and Families and Societal Experts Action Network will co-host a summit to further explore the findings and recommendations of this consensus report. This summit will bring together state and local decision-makers, intermediaries, and experts in school safety and mental health to explore effective strategies for supporting the mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs of students and staff. Through expert panels and collaborative tabletop discussions, participants will examine how schools can implement practices that promote prevention, preparedness, and overall wellbeing—fostering learning environments where students and staff feel safe, capable, and supported.

This summit takes place in lecture room 100.

Contact

Anthony Mann

amann@nas.edu

Location

Keck Center

500 5th St NW

Washington DC 20001, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Strategies for Integrating AI into State and Local Government Decision Making Webinar

August 21, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

As the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape evolves rapidly, many state and local government leaders are exploring ways to leverage these technologies to enhance public services and governance. As AI capabilities expand, state and local decision-makers are increasingly responsible for guiding the adoption of AI across their jurisdictions while also guarding against potential challenges and constraints.

The Societal Experts Action Network’s latest rapid expert consultation, Strategies for Integrating AI into State and Local Government Decision-Making, provides practical insights to guide decision-making. Join our webinar to learn about strategies for integrating AI technologies into public services and governance processes.

Contact

Annie DiRenzo

sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

AI, Energy Demand, and the Environment: Perspectives on Information Sharing

August 15, 2025

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

The projected growth in electricity demand from AI-driven data centers challenges climate mitigation, water resources, and low-cost electricity goals. Many research studies and policy responses focus on how to supply the projected electricity needed for growing use of AI while reducing environmental and other costs, but there has been less focus on the demand side of AI use.

This webinar, hosted by the Societal Experts Action Network in collaboration with the Board on Environmental Change and Society, will bring together social science and industry experts to discuss topics related to consumer and corporate use of AI, what role environmental information sharing might play in consumer and corporate behavior, and the insights social science can provide to help achieve the economic and environmental goals of both consumers and firms.

Contact

Annie DiRenzo

sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar Closed

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series: Use Cases for State and Local Government (#3)

May 29, 2025

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (ET)

Past

About

The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies/systems has significant implications for state and local decision-makers, who need to consider their roles as regulators and users of this technology. For state and local decision-makers, embracing this innovation comes with the responsibility of balancing the risks and benefits of implementing AI technologies. The Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN) continues its AI peer-to-peer series to support decision makers in this rapidly changing AI environment.

SEAN’s peer-to-peer conversation series allows state and local leaders to come together to discuss these timely issues and learn from each other’s experiences. Previous topics include the social and economic considerations of AI, building and managing capacity for AI technologies, risk considerations for AI implementation, and how state and local governments can develop long-term strategies for AI that aligns with their goals and priorities.

This event will feature experts and state and local leaders who will speak to practical use-case for implementing AI technologies, such as for health, transportation, and other state and local services. Speaker presentations will be followed by a facilitated dialogue among all attendees. Registration will be limited to enable a small group discussion.

Organizing Project

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series

Contact

Annie DiRenzo

(202) 334-2978
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Guidance on Routine Childhood Immunizations: Release Webinar

November 18, 2024

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

Childhood vaccinations have long-established benefits in preventing illness, averting deaths, and reducing healthcare and other societal costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant challenges in the delivery of childhood immunizations due to factors such as disruptions in healthcare services, decreased access to vaccinations, and increased exposure to misinformation and disinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccines. The pandemic also exacerbated preexisting disparities in childhood immunization rates among different groups, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach that incorporates systems-level changes and strategic partnerships that support effective interventions at the clinical practice, individual, and family levels.

Join our webinar to learn strategies from the social and behavioral sciences to support routine childhood immunizations.

Speakers:

(Moderator) Daniel Salmon, Johns Hopkins University

Emily Brunson, Brigham Young University, SEAN Executive Committee Member

Tina Cheng, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Joe Real, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Contact

Annie DiRenzo

(202) 334-2978
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Symposium

Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN): 2024 Fall Symposium

November 15, 2024

10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (ET)

Past

Agenda

Download the Agenda

Materials

About

Given that COVID-19 affected almost every aspect of society, the symposium will explore the extent to which we were able to have a whole-of-society response. The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated many gaps in preparedness to manage a public health crisis and showed the need for the social, behavioral, and economic (SBE) sciences to better understand human behavior in times of emergency. The goal is to identify ways that resilience to future crises can be developed with a whole-of-society approach rather than only preparing for crises sector by sector.

The Societal Experts Action Network’s (SEAN) annual symposium will bring together SBE experts and state and local decision makers to discuss the cumulative impacts of COVID-19 investments, the benefits of cross-sector collaborations, and explore how SBE sciences can contribute to transforming preparedness for future crises.

Contact

Contact us

(202) 334-3440
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

A Long COVID diagnosis: Implications for social, behavioral, and economic sciences

October 24, 2024

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently released a report, A Long COVID Definition: A Chronic, Systemic Disease State with Profound Consequences, which defines Long COVID. A Long COVID diagnosis has far-reaching impacts on individuals and communities. While most people recover fully from COVID-19, tens of millions continue to experience debilitating symptoms that affect their daily lives, including persistent fatigue, cognitive challenges, and social isolation. As these challenges persist, it is crucial to understand and address the social and behavioral dimensions of Long COVID to improve the well-being and quality of life of those affected. This webinar, hosted by the Societal Experts Action Network in partnership with the National Academies’ Health and Medicine Division, will bring together leading experts, patient advocates, and policymakers to discuss the implications of the newly defined Long COVID condition. This event will focus on the psychosocial aspects of the condition, examining how it affects identity, social support, and community engagement.

Speakers:

(Moderator) Abigail Dumes, University of Michigan and Examining the Working Definition for Long COVID Committee Member

Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, University of Texas Health San Antonio and Examining the Working Definition for Long COVID Committee Member

Lisa McCorkell, Patient-Led Research Collaborative

Kate Murray, Program Manager, Minnesota Long COVID Program

Contact

Annie DiRenzo

(202) 334-2978
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Loneliness and Social Isolation: Webinar

September 20, 2024

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

Past

Agenda

Download the Agenda

Materials

About

The public health measures implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted social interactions, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and social isolation, particularly among vulnerable groups like older adults, youth, and those with pre-existing health conditions. As communities shift away from pandemic-related support, there is a timely need to explore strategies for fostering social connection and well-being.

Join our webinar to learn strategies from the social and behavioral sciences to promote social connectedness and to address social isolation and loneliness.

Speakers:

(Moderator) Don Operario, Emory University

Thomas Cudjoe, John Hopkins School of Medicine

Marla Berg-Weger, Saint Louis University

Contact

Contact us

(202) 334-3440
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar Closed

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series: AI and State and Local Government Services and Equity (#2)

August 22, 2024

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

Past

About

The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies/systems has significant implications for state and local decision-makers, who need to consider their roles as regulators and users of this technology. For state and local decision-makers, embracing this innovation comes with the responsibility to balance ethical considerations, public trust, and the equitable distribution of benefits. Many state legislatures and local authorities have started introducing various AI bills and policies, ranging from exploring ways that AI can enhance constituent services to some temporarily banning its use. SEAN held a webinar on April 9, 2024, which was highly attended and generated many questions for the speakers, showing the need for additional information and engagement for decision makers in this rapidly changing AI environment.

AI and state and local government services and equity
- How can AI support services for constituents and communities
- Potential for improving government services and efficiencies
- Building in evaluation, transparency and building trust among constituents
- Ensuring historically marginalized populations benefit equitably from AI
- Initiatives to ensure equitable access to AI technologies for all constituents
- Tailoring AI technologies to meet the needs of different communities

Speakers:

Heng Xu, University of Florida (Moderator)

Hoda Heidari, Carnegie Mellon University

Chelsea Canada, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)

Daniel Culotta, Office of Innovation, City of Austin, TX

Organizing Project

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series

Contact

Annie DiRenzo

(202) 334-2978
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar Closed

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series: Balancing AI Benefits and Risks

May 29, 2024

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (ET)

Past

About

The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies/systems has significant implications for state and local decision-makers, who need to consider their roles as regulators and users of this technology. For state and local decision-makers, embracing this innovation comes with the responsibility to balance ethical considerations, public trust, and the equitable distribution of benefits. Many state legislatures and local authorities have started introducing various AI bills and policies, ranging from exploring ways that AI can enhance constituent services to some temporarily banning its use. SEAN held a webinar on April 9, 2024, which was highly attended and generated many questions for the speakers, showing the need for additional information and engagement for decision makers in this rapidly changing AI environment.

Balancing benefits and risks of AI for state and local decision makers
- Creating AI policies for both internal and external use
- Providing short-term v. long-term AI policies
- What are the challenges and opportunities for policy creation
- Example bills or policies
- Ethical considerations

Speakers

(Moderator) Nathan McNeese, Clemson University

Saiph Savage, Northeastern University

Jim Loter, City of Seattle

Organizing Project

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series

Contact

Annie DiRenzo

(202) 334-2978
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Navigating the AI Landscape: Strategies for State and Local Leaders

April 9, 2024

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

Webinar Resources

About

The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies/systems has significant implications for state and local decision-makers, who need to consider their roles as regulators and users of this technology. For state and local decision-makers, embracing this innovation comes with the responsibility to balance ethical considerations, public trust, and the equitable distribution of benefits. Many state legislatures and local authorities have started introducing various AI bills and policies, ranging from exploring ways that AI can enhance constituent services to some temporarily banning its use. This webinar will focus on AI's impact on state and local governance, focusing on opportunities, challenges, and the need for informed decision-making in the age of artificial intelligence.

Speakers:

(Moderator) Nathan McNeese, Clemson University

Heng Xu, University of Florida

Rayid Ghani, Carnegie Mellon University

Santiago Garces, City of Boston

Contact

Contact us

(202) 334-2978
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Promoting Uptake of COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Vaccines for Fall 2023

November 17, 2023

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Past

Agenda

Download the Agenda

About

Fall 2023 marks the first time that vaccines for three respiratory illnesses—COVID-19, seasonal influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—will be available simultaneously. If taken, these vaccines can mitigate increases in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths that could strain the healthcare system, negatively impact the economy, and add to stress for individuals and families over the coming months. Success in promoting uptake in Fall 2023 will likely come from addressing complex challenges, including public awareness and understanding of the three vaccines, communicating clearly the benefits of being vaccinated, and improving vaccine accessibility

Join our webinar to learn strategies from the social and behavioral sciences to promote vaccine uptake for Fall 2023 and ensure accessibility of the vaccines.

Speakers:

(Moderator) Emily Brunson, Texas State University
Pragna Patel, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Kasisomayajula “Vish” Viswanath, Harvard University
Alexander Rothman, University of Minnesota

Contact

Contact us

(202) 334-3440
sean@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

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My Academies

Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN): Facilitating Rapid and Actionable Responses to Social, Behavioral, and Economic-Related Questions

The Future of Youth Development: Vision to Action Summit

Opportunities for Doing Social-Environmental Research with Little to No Funding

Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN): 2025 Fall Symposium

Addressing the Impact of School Active Shooter Drills on Health and Wellbeing: Vision to Action Summit

Strategies for Integrating AI into State and Local Government Decision Making Webinar

AI, Energy Demand, and the Environment: Perspectives on Information Sharing

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series: Use Cases for State and Local Government (#3)

Guidance on Routine Childhood Immunizations: Release Webinar

Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN): 2024 Fall Symposium

A Long COVID diagnosis: Implications for social, behavioral, and economic sciences

Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Loneliness and Social Isolation: Webinar

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series: AI and State and Local Government Services and Equity (#2)

Societal Experts Action Network & Board on Human-Systems Integration - AI Peer-to-Peer Series: Balancing AI Benefits and Risks

Navigating the AI Landscape: Strategies for State and Local Leaders

Promoting Uptake of COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Vaccines for Fall 2023