On April 29, 2025, sociologists, educators, and policy analysts gathered at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., for an engaging event titled “Public Policy and the Future of Work: A Conversation with Anna Branch and Elisabeth Jacobs.” The event brought together prominent sociologists conducting research on employment and labor with researchers working at think tanks and policy organizations for an enlightening discussion, Q&A session, and reception.
Based on America Sociological Association President Adia Harvey Wingfield’s Annual Meeting theme, “Reimagining the Future of Work,” the event featured Anna Branch, senior vice president for equity and professor of sociology at Rutgers University, and Elisabeth Jacobs, senior fellow for WorkRise at the Urban Institute—two influential voices at the intersection of research, equity, and policy. During a free-flowing conversation lasting about an hour, they explored how sociological insights can help tackle the challenges and opportunities facing today’s workforce. Both speakers emphasized a crucial theme: bridging the gap between academic research and public policy is more important than ever to create sustainable labor markets. The discussion addressed issues such as economic precarity, labor market stratification, and 
potential avenues for scholarly engagement with policy.
ASA extends its gratitude to the Johns Hopkins Department of Sociology and to all attendees who contributed to this dynamic and forward-looking event. We are excited to build on the momentum generated here as we launch our Policy Outreach Program Fellowship and enhance our involvement with pressing public issues. Please visit our Public Engagement page to learn more about ASA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, tools for sociologists, the Sociology Action Network, and the newly launched Policy Outreach Program Fellowship.
Any opinions expressed in the articles in this publication are those of the author and not the American Sociological Association.