This academic year is off to a strong start! The quality of the fellows and the vibrancy of the community they have created are outstanding. We are now well into the research seminar schedule and the presentations and discussions that follow them have been characterized by curiosity, healthy and respectful challenge, and cross-disciplinary sharing and learning. It’s been lovely to see it and participate in it. The magic of CASBS is in full force.
This year we piloted a “practitioner fellow” program in which we intentionally recruited non-academics who use behavioral science in their impactful work. We welcomed four practitioner fellows into this year’s class and I have marveled at the ways in which they have expanded the conversations in seminars and over lunch. While thoroughly enjoying this year’s class, we already are thinking about next year’s fellows. The application window closed and the review process has begun. This year, in addition to the usual open call, we asked former fellows for recommendations of people they think would make good fellows and community members, and followed up with those individuals suggesting they apply. Thank you to the many former fellows who provided suggestions to us and support for their colleagues in this way!
CASBS Convenes!
Most readers know of the Center’s legendary convening power. With the addition of CASBS’s new building in late 2023, CASBS has the capacity to augment this power and host a bigger portfolio of workshops and conferences encompassing pressing topics and questions. We are calling this effort CASBS Convenes! The goal is to have an open process where interested parties can apply to host a gathering on this web page. We have a number of fascinating convenings already in the works for spring 2026, but we are particularly interested in hearing from former fellows about their ideas about returning to the hill in the future as part of this exciting opportunity.
Facilities
I take delight in sharing that, with Stanford’s cooperation and participation, we now have two owl houses on the property that will encourage owls to reside in the area and provide natural rodent control. We know for sure two great horned owls are residents on our campus; we hope these owls and others will make homes in these boxes.
