A couple of years ago, the Social Sciences Advancement Dialogue Network (SSADN) was established with an ambitious vision: to create stronger connections between research, professional practice, education, and policy across the social sciences.
The idea attracted interest, valuable contacts were established, and conversations began with academics, practitioners, and organisations from different countries. However, like many ambitious projects, SSADN remained largely a concept rather than an active network. While the vision remained alive, other priorities and commitments meant that the project never developed to its full potential.
Today, that is changing.
We are pleased to announce the formal relaunch of SSADN and the beginning of a new phase focused on turning that original vision into reality.
The social sciences have never been more important. Across the world, researchers and practitioners are working to address complex challenges relating to health, wellbeing, education, social care, inequality, community development, justice, and public policy. Yet too often, valuable research remains disconnected from practice, while innovative practice struggles to find a wider audience.
SSADN exists to help bridge that gap.
Our aim is to create an international community where researchers, practitioners, students, educators, policymakers, and organisations can learn from one another, share ideas, build partnerships, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice across the social sciences.
This relaunch marks the beginning of a number of exciting developments. We are currently preparing for the Research, Practice & Innovation in Social Sciences 2026 International Online Conference, which will take place on 15 September 2026. The conference will provide a platform for the presentation of research, innovative practice, service developments, and interdisciplinary dialogue between professionals from around the world.
At the same time, we are continuing to develop the SSADN Professional Standards Framework and exploring opportunities to support publication, professional recognition, international collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Our ambition is not to create another membership organisation or simply another conference. Instead, we want to create a meaningful and accessible network where ideas can be shared, challenged, and developed; where research can inform practice; where practice can generate new knowledge; and where collaboration can lead to positive social impact.
This is, in many ways, a fresh start. We are building on the original vision while recognising that the real work begins now.
Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, student, educator, leader, or organisation, we invite you to be part of this journey.
The future of the social sciences will be shaped not only by the quality of our research or the effectiveness of our practice, but by our willingness to engage with one another, learn from different perspectives, and work together to address the challenges facing society.
Welcome to the new chapter of SSADN.
The journey starts here.
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