spotlights & events

bspa hosts a range of annual events aimed at fostering networking within the behavioral science and policy communities. Spotlight workshops bring policymakers, practitioners and scientists together to brainstorm various research ‘best-practices’ and topic areas

Annual Conference 2026

Call for Presenters & Posters 

The Behavioral Science & Policy Association (BSPA) will hold its Annual Conference at the Harvard Kennedy School on June 7–8, 2026. 

BSPA is seeking proposals for short presentations and poster submissions that showcase work relevant to areas in which behavioral science can have a meaningful impact on policy and practice. The conference is designed to inform and engage academics, policymakers, and organizational leaders.

Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026
More Information & Submission: https://behavioralpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BSPA-Call-For-Presenters-Posters-2026.pdf

Spotlight Workshops

Our Spotlight workshops bring policymakers, practitioners and scientists together to brainstorm various research ‘best-practices’ and topic areas in a local setting. Topics such as energy, pre-K education, health and financial decision making can drive the agenda; alternatively, these working groups can coalesce around local government priorities in order to facilitate actionable insights being put into practice on a state or municipal level.

Does your research institution have a pressing research priority that would welcome a behavioral science lens? We can help! BSPA convenes ‘spotlight’ sessions where we help support your agenda while providing a vehicle for publication.
Whether in the public sector or a government division, we welcome the opportunity to partner. Let us know what spotlights you are interested in pursuing and together we can help support your agenda
From the private sector and interested in co-hosting a spotlight workshop with us? Get in touch! We’re always interested in a fresh perspective on issues that you care about, as you seek to develop a behavioral science capability in your organization
Want to set a research agenda for behavioral science? Send us ideas for partnership to [email protected]!
Have an idea for a spotlight proposal? Download our RFP to find out more about our work in this space!
Upcoming spotlights include ‘Safe Driving’ with the University of Kansas, and Health Equity with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Have a research interest in either of these topics? Let us know so that we can be sure to include you in the invitation and call for papers

Event Highlights

Become a Member

There is a growing movement among public and private sector leaders to help bridge the divide between behavioral research and policy. We are a key part of this movement — as an information hub and as a community builder, fostering collaboration and connecting those applying behavioral science to specific problems for the greater good. We need you to join us in making this effort have a lasting impact.

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