A New Year, Moving Forward Together
01/02/2026
As we welcome the new year, I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to each of you. While the past year has tested our profession in meaningful ways, this community has demonstrated resilience, rigor, and an unwavering commitment to advancing high-quality public opinion and survey research. Your dedication to one another, to AAPOR, and to the integrity of our field continues to be a powerful source of inspiration.
Looking ahead, AAPOR is guided by a strategic plan that reflects both who we are today and who we aspire to be. Central to this work is our commitment to Educate and Support members by expanding access to high-quality resources, multidisciplinary learning opportunities, and clear pathways for engagement across career stages.
This week, we open a post-deadline call for abstracts for the AAPOR 81st Annual Conference, focusing on research from individuals and organizations whose work has been impacted by recent government actions and industry conditions. In addition to strengthening our educational offerings at our upcoming conference, this effort is part of a broader set of steps we’ve taken to respond thoughtfully to the challenges facing our field, particularly those affecting the federal statistical workforce and adjacent researchers.
We are also committed to Advancing Best Practices across the field—a commitment taking shape through the AAPOR Task Force on Responsible AI Integration in Survey Research, chaired by David Rothschild and Jenny Marlar. This work reflects our dedication to embracing innovation responsibly, and I look forward to sharing its guidance later in the year.
AAPOR remains deeply focused on the other three domains of our strategic plan: Fostering an Engaged Community, Growing Our Voice, and Cultivating Sustainability. Council and staff are working to advance the association in each of these areas and will continue to share our progress with the community.
None of this work happens without you. As we move forward, please know that AAPOR’s leadership remains focused on listening, adapting, and supporting this community. Thank you for being part of AAPOR and for all that you contribute to our profession.
Warm wishes for a healthy and hopeful New Year,
Jordon Peugh
AAPOR Executive Council President