SERnews

Greetings, As we move into November, I’ve been reflecting on where we are as a scientific community — and as people. Across the country, conversations about research priorities, academic freedom, and science communication continue to shape the landscape of public health and population science. These discussions remind us that the work we do doesn’t just live in data or policy; it connects directly to the wellbeing of families, communities, and the world around us. Even amid uncertainty, I’m encouraged by the creativity, collaboration, and care I see every day among our community. Progress happens when we show up for one another and work together toward a shared vision of healthier, more equitable communities. Continue to hold space, continue to support one another, and continue to show and tell others that our collective work matters. The SPC Executive Board has been meeting monthly to plan new programming and identify ways to support our members. I’m especially excited about our upcoming webinar, Communication for Public Health Researchers, happening Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 AM (MT). This session will explore how we can make our research more accessible and impactful by improving how we share findings with different audiences — from policymakers […]

We have some really, really BIG news to share with you! Drum roll . . . So, what rhymes with Epidemiology?  Okay, nothing, but it got you thinking.  We are very pleased to announce that members of SER have a new benefit.  The journal Epidemiology is now a partner of our society!  Members now have the benefits of the American Journal of Epidemiology AND Epidemiology.  Two premier epidemiology journals in one organization! What could possibly be better? Don’t answer that.  So, what does that mean for you?  This power packed partnership gives our members significant savings and benefits.  For example, members will have access to both journals, and abstracts accepted to the mid-year and annual meetings will be published in a supplement of Epidemiology. Members will also have a discount for open access publication fees for manuscripts published in Epidemiology.  Check out the member benefits section on the website for more information. Drum roll again . . .  The SER website redesign is finished, completed, done, finito!  Hurray! The new SER website is sleek, hip and happening.  If you have not seen it yet – click on over and take a look.  You will be glad that you did.  If […]

It is June, and we are a week out from our annual meeting.  In the almost 30 years since I attended my first SER meeting, this time of year has always been full of the excitement of poster prep, fine-tuning presentations, and simply looking forward to seeing friends and colleagues from different institutions.  This year is both the same, yet quite different.  I won’t enumerate the many ways that we have all been impacted by recent federal actions, but it is clear that none of us is unscathed.   On April 30th we held a virtual Town Hall and were able to hear the experiences of some SER members.  We have now planned a follow-up in-person event during the annual meeting.  Organized by members of the D&I Committee, the Town Hall will be held on Wednesday June 11th, at 12:15pm.  Please join us if you can.  If not, there will be additional virtual gatherings in the coming months.  Despite the heaviness of the current moment, I still feel the hope and excitement of the upcoming meeting.  I look forward to gathering with some of the best academic minds in the world and celebrating our collective excellence.  We have planned an exciting […]

In the weeks since my last President’s Message, much has changed in the world.  Just a month ago, we had only an inkling of the challenges before us compared to what we now know and are experiencing. Many in the SER community have already been impacted, and each day we learn of others who have received funding termination notices, face hiring freezes, and have otherwise had their career paths unsettled.  While there are few words that will bring the desired comfort to those experiencing the most pain, please know that the SER community stands with you. In response to these challenges, SER is exploring resource sharing opportunities with other scientific societies which share our values and vision. In the coming weeks and months, we will host webinars and other activities where we can gather to exchange ideas and information, and comfort one another.  On April 30th at 12pm (EST) we will host a Town Hall style webinar for members. Announcement to follow.  Please save the date. We are also planning similar in-person spaces during the annual meeting in June.  Details to follow. The American poet Toi Derricotte wrote “Joy is an act of resistance”.  I have said previously that we […]

Greetings, SER Student and Postdoc Community, As we move into April 2025, public health research and practice remain a shifting landscape. From ongoing global health debates to the personal and professional hurdles we face as early-career researchers, our resilience is being tested. During these challenging times, I hope we can find community, support, and inspiration from one another. Indeed, it’s precisely in these moments that our work in epidemiology—rooted in science, equity, and impact—feels most vital. I want to take a moment to celebrate you—our student and postdoc members—who bring fresh perspectives and relentless curiosity to SER and public health. Your contributions, whether through research, advocacy, or collaboration, are the heartbeat of this community. With the Annual Meeting in Boston fast approaching, now is the perfect time to harness that energy. Early-bird registration is open through May 15, 2025, and I encourage you to secure your spot. It’s a chance to connect with peers, present your work, and soak in the wisdom of seasoned epidemiologists. This may be a particularly important year to participate in networking opportunities, the job fair, and other SPC events. Looking back at the Mid-year Virtual Meeting in February, I hope those who joined found it […]

2025 has certainly started off with a bang.  Some was unexpected (California wildfires) while much was not (a new federal administration).  Both have touched the SER community in profound ways.  We hold in our hearts those impacted by the wildfires both directly and indirectly.  And while we do not yet know the full scope and depth to which recent (and future) executive orders will impact our research community, it is clear that challenging times are ahead. With this in mind, my strongest suggestion is that we lean into the work that gives us purpose, brings us joy and fulfillment, and most importantly, promotes science.  The Mid-year Virtual Meeting, going on now, February 10-14, 2025 is intended to do just that.  If you haven’t already, join us for a week full of thought-provoking and inspiring symposia and poster presentations.  Registration is still open and is free for SER members (don’t forget to renew your membership!). If you missed any sessions, the recordings are available on the website!   Other upcoming dates you should be aware of include: Late-breaker abstract submissions (February 14, 2025 – March 3, 2025 (10:00am EST)) Early-bird registration for the Annual Meeting (through May 15, 2025) Current students […]

Happy November! I hope that you are enjoying the official arrival of fall with its spectacular colors and (pumpkin) spices.  I also want to acknowledge our colleagues for whom the fall has been more challenging, particularly those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.  You are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Planning for the upcoming mid-year and annual meetings is in full swing and the Board and I could not be more excited!  We asked for your “expertise, ideas and research” and you delivered by submitting a record number of proposals for pre-conference workshops, breakfast and lunchtime sessions, symposia, and professional development sessions.  We are confident that both meetings will offer a quality assortment of programming for all attendees. Now we turn to you again, this time inviting you to share your research expertise and time.  The Mid-Year Meeting – which is entirely virtual – is scheduled for February 10-14, 2025.  The call for abstracts for presentation during the Mid-Year meeting will close on Friday November 15th at 10:00am EST with notifications sent out by January 8, 2025.   Abstract submissions for presentation during the Annual Meeting – scheduled for June 10-13, 2025 in Boston, MA – will open on […]