Aligning Computational Tools for the Political Science Research Lifecycle: APSA Virtual Research Group Workshop
APSA 2026 Virtual Research Meeting
April 15 – April 16, 2026 (EST) | Apply to Research Group Workshop
Application Deadline: February 25, 2026
Workshop Organizers: Javier Osorio (University of Arizona); Latifur Khan (University of Texas at Dallas); Patrick Brandt (University of Texas at Dallas); Vito D’Orazio (West Virginia University)
Building on a successful 2025 APSA Virtual Research Meeting workshop, this Research Group focuses on advancing the adoption, adaptation, and application of large language models (LLMs), machine learning, and related computational social science tools in political science research. The workshop will provide a collaborative space for scholars to share research, discuss best practices, and examine challenges associated with integrating AI-driven methods across the full political science research lifecycle. Discussions will be organized around key stages of computational research, including data gathering and corpus development, ontology design and task development, annotation and validation, LLM applications in political science, and model evaluation and reporting standards. By integrating recent advances in AI into the research pipeline, the workshop aims to expand methodological rigor, strengthen empirical analysis, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and support the development of policy-relevant research.
During the Workshop
Workshop participants will meet for eight 90-minute sessions across two days and will engage in collaborative research development, skill-building, and peer feedback. The Research Group will include a hands-on training session introducing computational social science tools, research presentations with structured discussion, and collaborative working sessions designed to support methodological learning and research development. Participants will have opportunities to present research, share tools or data resources, contribute to best-practice discussions, and develop collaborative projects. Scholars at multiple career stages are encouraged to apply, particularly graduate students and early-career researchers seeking to incorporate computational methods into their work.
How to Apply
The submission system is open for workshop participant applications! The application deadline is Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
Research Group Workshops are the central feature of the APSA Virtual Research Meeting, designed to bring scholars together over two days of collaborative engagement, interactive discussion, and joint research development. Each Research Group will meet for eight 90-minute sessions across both days, with participants expected to engage throughout the full workshop series.
Due to limited capacity and overlapping schedules, participants may only apply to one Research Group. To apply, candidates must submit a Statement of Interest tailored to their selected workshop by the deadline and are encouraged to review the workshop descriptions carefully before applying.
The American Political Science Association’s 2026 Virtual Research Meeting, held on April 15 & 16, 2026, is an annual two-day online event provides a forum for scholars worldwide interested in sharing their research, receiving in-depth feedback, and creating partnerships and networks for future collaboration. Stay tuned for registration! Visit the website to learn more.