Research Society for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms

Recognizing the 2024 National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms Award Recipients ?? We proudly recognize Hsun-Ta Hsu, from the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as one of the many talented Innovation Award recipients! Their presentation, “Personal and Social Network Correlates of Firearm Carry among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness,” exemplifies groundbreaking research that challenges traditional paradigms. The purpose/background of the study explores how firearm carriage among young adults is associated with a heightened risk of firearm violence victimization, self-harm, and suicide. Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are particularly vulnerable, with many reporting having access to firearms. However, the extent of firearm carriage and its correlates are understudied among YAEH. Informed by the social norms theory, this study explores the personal characteristics and social network properties associated with YAEH’s firearm carriage. The Innovation Award recognizes excellence in challenging the traditional paradigms and shifting current research practices by utilizing novel theoretical concepts, approaches, instrumentation, or interventions—precisely what Hsun-Ta Hsu has achieved with this influential study. Congratulations, Hsun-Ta Hsu! Your work is pushing the boundaries of firearm-related harm prevention research. ???? #2024FirearmResearchConf #FirearmResearch #InnovationAward

??Team Spotlight Meet Dr. Daniel Semenza, the Treasurer of the Research Society for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms. Our mission is to support a diverse network of experts, promote field growth, and advance rigorous research to prevent and address firearm-related harms. A key leader in this effort is Dr. Daniel Semenza, our Treasurer, whose expertise in gun violence research and community health disparities helps drive evidence-based solutions. Dr. Semenza is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice and the Department of Urban-Global Public Health at Rutgers University. He also serves as the Director of Research at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, focusing on the causes and consequences of gun violence and the intersection of violence, health, and the criminal justice system. ??Why This Work Matters: Dr. Semenza’s research highlights the deep connections between violence, public health, and social inequities. Having published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, his work informs policies aimed at reducing firearm-related harms and promoting safer communities. His research has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Newsweek, NPR, PBS, The Trace, and more. In addition to his research, Dr. Semenza teaches courses on violence in society, urban gun violence, juvenile delinquency, and criminological theory, helping shape the next generation of scholars and practitioners dedicated to firearm violence prevention. ??Dr. Semenza’s Message: “We have made incredible strides in gun violence prevention research in recent years. Despite the current political and national environment, I am eager to continue working alongside my colleagues towards the goal of reducing gun violence further throughout the country.” Each week, we’ll introduce the Research Society for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms team members. Join the conversation and engage with us! Drop a ?? in the comments to recognize Daniel Semenza for his hard work and share what research-based prevention means to you. #2025FirearmResearchConf?

Translational Science Day 2025! We are pleased to announce the upcoming Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) virtual symposium that will bring an essential discussion to the forefront. This year’s Translational Science Day symposium theme is: “Beyond Thoughts and Prayers: Translating Gun Policy Science into Action to Reduce Firearm Violence.” “Featuring success stories at both the state and federal level, the symposium will explore how policymakers, academics, activists, and other stakeholders can help bridge the cultural and political divide to enact lasting and effective gun violence prevention policy. Together, we can change the contentious, overly simplistic way that gun policy is currently characterized in America.” The symposium is free to attend, and registration is now open! Visit the link below to view the symposium’s current agenda. We hope to see many of you there and would appreciate your help spreading the word. ??Date: Friday, April 4th ??Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT via Zoom ??Location: Virtual ??Register Here: https://lnkd.in/eQkyaxcf ??Additional Information and Current Agenda: https://lnkd.in/e7mRB4hP.

The Research Society for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms is seeking volunteers to support our initiatives and help advance our mission. If you are interested in becoming involved, we invite you to complete our interest form: https://lnkd.in/eSWQSKwe This is an opportunity to: ? Serve on a committee ? Volunteer at the 2025 conference in Tempe, AZ ? Engage with professionals dedicated to firearm-related harm prevention Whether you are new to the society or have attended past conferences, we welcome your participation. Fill out the interest form here or scan the QR code below: https://lnkd.in/eSWQSKwe #2025FirearmResearchConf

??Team Spotlight Meet Dr. Sonali Rajan, the Founding President/Past President of the Research Society for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms. Our mission is to support a diverse network of experts, promote field growth, and advance rigorous research to prevent and address firearm-related harms. Leading the change is Dr. Sonali Rajan, our founding president, whose devotion to public health and safety has shaped the foundation of our society. Dr. Rajan is a Professor of Health Promotion & Education in the Department of Health Studies & Applied Educational Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health, specializing in school violence prevention, gun violence, and childhood adversity. ??Why This Work Matters Dr. Sonali Rajan has been at the forefront of firearm injury prevention research, advocating for evidence-based, data-driven policies with collaborative solutions. Dr. Rajan co-directs the CDC-funded Columbia Center for Injury Science and Prevention and co-produces Re(Search) for Solutions, a podcast on evidence-based responses to gun violence. With affiliations across Columbia University and over 15 years of work with the non-profit Girls on the Run, Dr. Rajan is deeply committed to research and advocacy for safer schools and communities. From 2023-2024, Dr. Rajan has served as the Founding President of the Research Society for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms. Her lasting impact continues to create advocacy and awareness in the field. ??Dr. Rajan’s Message: "The scientific field of firearm violence prevention is extraordinarily collaborative, generous, and transdisciplinary. I have been so fortunate to be a part of this rapidly growing network of scholars who are collectively all dedicated to reducing firearm-related harms in communities across the nation and in individuals across the life course.? Our Society, the first professional society for researchers in this field, is a reflection of that hard work and commitment to a safer and healthier future for all." Each week, we’ll introduce the Research Society for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms team members. Join the conversation and engage with us! Drop a ?? in the comments to recognize Sonali Rajan for her hard work and share what research-based prevention means to you.

Student/Trainee Spotlight: Joseph A Kern, physician and general surgery resident at University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, shared insights from his research poster presentation, Addressing Basic Needs Directly in a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program, during the #2024FirearmResearchConf. The research examines descriptive data of their hospital-based violence intervention program to see how they can better support patients and the key needs they have. “I'm hoping that this can help inform other HVIPs initiatives and also help us think about policies that we can push for and things we can ask our institutions and local governments to help support this vulnerable patient population.”

Student/Trainee Spotlight: Ana Reyes, in general surgery residency at University of Miami, talked to us about her oral research presentation, Leveraging Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs to Increase Firearm Injury Victims’ Receipt of Victim Crime Compensation, during the #2024FirearmResearchConf. She hopes that the results of their project can be used to serve as a model for other HVIPs who also want to look at their processes around victim crime compensation, and try to improve them. Watch the video:

?? We are pleased to announce the release the Research Society for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms 5-year strategic plan! The plan draws on insights and feedback from dozens of researchers in our field across disciplines and representing numerous institutions and outlines our plans to foster sustainable growth of the field and enhance the support and interconnectedness of researchers in this space. Explore the plan: https://lnkd.in/gh4gJEgs This work would not have been possible without the foundational?support from The Joyce Foundation?and?Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research & Education.

Student/Trainee Spotlight: Lina Tragni, second year PhD student at Louisiana State University LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, presented her research poster project, Triggered: Exploring the Psychological Ramifications and Policy Perceptions of Exposure to Gun Violence on Social Media, during the #2024FirearmResearchConf. She hopes their research can show how social media is affecting psychological distress levels of people who actively consume mass shooting content in their social media feeds. “By looking at this topic, we can change the way that we digest content on social media and hopefully change how social media is distributing this content to the general public.”

Student/Trainee Spotlight: Samuel Fischer, research assistant at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Injury Control Research Center, presented his research, Unintentional Firearm Death Among Children Disaggregated by Race, during one of many insightful poster sessions at the #2024FirearmResearchConf. His research examines unintentional firearm deaths among young children, focusing on explaining racial rate disparities, and where the disparities between Black and White children might be the greatest. Watch: