Lauren Forrest
@laurenforrest.bsky.social
Assistant professor at University of Oregon. Researching eating disorders, suicide, and intersectionality using advanced quanty methods. she/her | www.laurenforrest.com
I've been convinced for years that bots in online research are much more sophisticated than we think they are. Our current "best practices" are absolutely obsolete. This should be required reading for anyone collecting, or publishing from, online data. Seriously.
Many have asked for the LLM Survey paper. The release was bungled a bit by PNAS, but it is live now: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
The potential existential threat of large language models to online survey research | PNAS
The advancement of large language models poses a severe, potentially existential threat
to online survey research, a fundamental tool for data coll...
www.pnas.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I've been convinced for years that bots in online research are much more sophisticated than we think they are. Our current "best practices" are absolutely obsolete. This should be required reading for anyone collecting, or publishing from, online data. Seriously.
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
So... I did some analysis of grants that did receive noncompetitive renewals.
In particular, I looked a those award where the title of the grant changed.
Warning: The results are just what I expected, but oooph...
1/4
In particular, I looked a those award where the title of the grant changed.
Warning: The results are just what I expected, but oooph...
1/4
a man with his eyes closed is wearing a plaid shirt and a blue jacket .
ALT: a man with his eyes closed is wearing a plaid shirt and a blue jacket .
media.tenor.com
September 9, 2025 at 11:22 PM
So... I did some analysis of grants that did receive noncompetitive renewals.
In particular, I looked a those award where the title of the grant changed.
Warning: The results are just what I expected, but oooph...
1/4
In particular, I looked a those award where the title of the grant changed.
Warning: The results are just what I expected, but oooph...
1/4
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
RFK Jr. is going to release a report on what he thinks are the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
There is reason to believe it won’t be trustworthy, so @defendpublichealth.bsky.social has released our own evidence-based report of ASD risk factors to the public.
Vaccines aren’t one of them.
There is reason to believe it won’t be trustworthy, so @defendpublichealth.bsky.social has released our own evidence-based report of ASD risk factors to the public.
Vaccines aren’t one of them.
Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder: What We Already Know From Scientific Evidence | Defend Public Health
With Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promising to announce what he believes are the causes of autism this month, Defend Public Health is preemptively warning the public not t...
www.defendpublichealth.org
September 3, 2025 at 2:03 PM
RFK Jr. is going to release a report on what he thinks are the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
There is reason to believe it won’t be trustworthy, so @defendpublichealth.bsky.social has released our own evidence-based report of ASD risk factors to the public.
Vaccines aren’t one of them.
There is reason to believe it won’t be trustworthy, so @defendpublichealth.bsky.social has released our own evidence-based report of ASD risk factors to the public.
Vaccines aren’t one of them.
Stoked to read this handbook.
Also, my new life mission is to piss off the right people by the doing ethical, principled, rigorous science that they're going to dislike. We *must* keep shining a light on LGBTQ+ people, trans people specifically, Black and Brown people, and women. Lfg.
Also, my new life mission is to piss off the right people by the doing ethical, principled, rigorous science that they're going to dislike. We *must* keep shining a light on LGBTQ+ people, trans people specifically, Black and Brown people, and women. Lfg.
August 29, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Stoked to read this handbook.
Also, my new life mission is to piss off the right people by the doing ethical, principled, rigorous science that they're going to dislike. We *must* keep shining a light on LGBTQ+ people, trans people specifically, Black and Brown people, and women. Lfg.
Also, my new life mission is to piss off the right people by the doing ethical, principled, rigorous science that they're going to dislike. We *must* keep shining a light on LGBTQ+ people, trans people specifically, Black and Brown people, and women. Lfg.
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
I took this picture myself at the CDC protest today. These are among the hundreds of bullet holes in CDC headquarters windows, visible from the street. I heard today that the admin has no urgent plan to fix these windows.
Imagine being a CDC employee going to work under these conditions
Imagine being a CDC employee going to work under these conditions
August 28, 2025 at 11:43 PM
I took this picture myself at the CDC protest today. These are among the hundreds of bullet holes in CDC headquarters windows, visible from the street. I heard today that the admin has no urgent plan to fix these windows.
Imagine being a CDC employee going to work under these conditions
Imagine being a CDC employee going to work under these conditions
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
NEW: Don't ask too many questions, but...
NIH may not re-terminate the 900ish grants at issue in the main NIH lawsuits after all.
To the PIs of reinstated grants, SPEND NOW!
🧵 Here's what NIH is probably thinking. Bear with me:
NIH may not re-terminate the 900ish grants at issue in the main NIH lawsuits after all.
To the PIs of reinstated grants, SPEND NOW!
🧵 Here's what NIH is probably thinking. Bear with me:
August 29, 2025 at 2:50 PM
NEW: Don't ask too many questions, but...
NIH may not re-terminate the 900ish grants at issue in the main NIH lawsuits after all.
To the PIs of reinstated grants, SPEND NOW!
🧵 Here's what NIH is probably thinking. Bear with me:
NIH may not re-terminate the 900ish grants at issue in the main NIH lawsuits after all.
To the PIs of reinstated grants, SPEND NOW!
🧵 Here's what NIH is probably thinking. Bear with me:
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
Wow! So Bhattacharya is now saying in right leaning rags that it’s been rogue program officers that created banned words lists at NIH. 🤣
What a sad, small person he is!
“Program officers ‘took it upon themselves’ to create ad hoc, unofficial lists…”
What a sad, small person he is!
“Program officers ‘took it upon themselves’ to create ad hoc, unofficial lists…”
August 4, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Wow! So Bhattacharya is now saying in right leaning rags that it’s been rogue program officers that created banned words lists at NIH. 🤣
What a sad, small person he is!
“Program officers ‘took it upon themselves’ to create ad hoc, unofficial lists…”
What a sad, small person he is!
“Program officers ‘took it upon themselves’ to create ad hoc, unofficial lists…”
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
I spoke to @politico.com about the Black maternal mortality crisis. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
The Black maternity mortality crisis comes to the Hill
Your definitive guide to women, politics and power.
www.politico.com
July 14, 2025 at 10:33 PM
I spoke to @politico.com about the Black maternal mortality crisis. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
NEW: In an unprecedented move, the NIH will soon disinvite dozens of scientists about to take positions on advisory councils that make final decisions on grant funding.
NIH staff were told to select others aligned with the Trump administration and told to expect placements by political appointees.
NIH staff were told to select others aligned with the Trump administration and told to expect placements by political appointees.
Exclusive: NIH to dismiss dozens of grant reviewers to align with Trump priorities
The move would undo years of work, leaving advisory councils understaffed, and without the full expertise needed for reviews.
www.nature.com
July 14, 2025 at 11:25 PM
NEW: In an unprecedented move, the NIH will soon disinvite dozens of scientists about to take positions on advisory councils that make final decisions on grant funding.
NIH staff were told to select others aligned with the Trump administration and told to expect placements by political appointees.
NIH staff were told to select others aligned with the Trump administration and told to expect placements by political appointees.
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
Brave #EPA employees who signed the #DeclarationofDissent are now facing administrative leave after speaking out.
NOW MORE THAN EVER THESE EPA EMPLOYEES NEED YOUR SUPPORT & SOLIDARITY!
stand with them publicly now by adding your name here ➡️ zurl.co/6MReq
zurl.co/XiAxu
Brave #EPA employees who signed the #DeclarationofDissent are now facing administrative leave after speaking out.
NOW MORE THAN EVER THESE EPA EMPLOYEES NEED YOUR SUPPORT & SOLIDARITY!
stand with them publicly now by adding your name here ➡️ zurl.co/6MReq
zurl.co/XiAxu
EPA places staffers who signed ‘dissent’ letter on leave
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is placing staffers who signed a letter of dissent against the Trump administration’s actions and policies on leave. The EPA says it has placed 1…
thehill.com
July 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
Brave #EPA employees who signed the #DeclarationofDissent are now facing administrative leave after speaking out.
NOW MORE THAN EVER THESE EPA EMPLOYEES NEED YOUR SUPPORT & SOLIDARITY!
stand with them publicly now by adding your name here ➡️ zurl.co/6MReq
zurl.co/XiAxu
Brave #EPA employees who signed the #DeclarationofDissent are now facing administrative leave after speaking out.
NOW MORE THAN EVER THESE EPA EMPLOYEES NEED YOUR SUPPORT & SOLIDARITY!
stand with them publicly now by adding your name here ➡️ zurl.co/6MReq
zurl.co/XiAxu
Judge Young states that there must be a permanent injunction for the racial discrimination present in the NIH terminations. But he says that b/c of Skrmetti, there is no federal remedy for NIH's LGBTQ+ discrimination??? Skrmetti wasn't about sexual orientation though. Can law people please explain?
The court also finds "extensive discrimination" against trans people. But his hands are tied because of the SCOTUS decision in Skrmetti.
Not all discrimination is illegal, he interprets SCOTUS as ruling, meaning bias against trans people is akin to setting a voting age or disenfranchising felons.
Not all discrimination is illegal, he interprets SCOTUS as ruling, meaning bias against trans people is akin to setting a voting age or disenfranchising felons.
July 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Judge Young states that there must be a permanent injunction for the racial discrimination present in the NIH terminations. But he says that b/c of Skrmetti, there is no federal remedy for NIH's LGBTQ+ discrimination??? Skrmetti wasn't about sexual orientation though. Can law people please explain?
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
Medicare for All - "That's socialism!"
Social Security - "That's socialism!"
Debt free education - "That's socialism!"
Universal childcare - "That's socialism!"
$1 trillion+ in tax cuts for the wealthy...
"That's just how it is."
Social Security - "That's socialism!"
Debt free education - "That's socialism!"
Universal childcare - "That's socialism!"
$1 trillion+ in tax cuts for the wealthy...
"That's just how it is."
July 1, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Medicare for All - "That's socialism!"
Social Security - "That's socialism!"
Debt free education - "That's socialism!"
Universal childcare - "That's socialism!"
$1 trillion+ in tax cuts for the wealthy...
"That's just how it is."
Social Security - "That's socialism!"
Debt free education - "That's socialism!"
Universal childcare - "That's socialism!"
$1 trillion+ in tax cuts for the wealthy...
"That's just how it is."
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
Robert F Kennedy Jr is not a vaccine skeptic. Reporters and editors who’ve decided it’s somehow more fair to call him one instead of the anti-vaccine activist and lawyer he is should stop mischaracterizing him so… in the pursuit of accuracy.
June 25, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Robert F Kennedy Jr is not a vaccine skeptic. Reporters and editors who’ve decided it’s somehow more fair to call him one instead of the anti-vaccine activist and lawyer he is should stop mischaracterizing him so… in the pursuit of accuracy.
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
Just in: NIH staff have been instructed to REINSTATE these ~900 grants to comply with the court order, per sources. This comes after staff were also directed to cease any further terminations.
You can see the lists grants to be reinstated in my post below.
You can see the lists grants to be reinstated in my post below.
The judge intends to limit his order to universities in the plaintiff states (CA, MD, WA, AZ, CO, DE, HI, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, WI), members of the plaintiff orgs (APHA, UAW), and the researchers named directly, he said today.
His written opinion will come in the coming days.
His written opinion will come in the coming days.
🚨 BREAKING: Nearly 4 months the NIH cut its first grants, a judge has ruled that the directives and process that led to cuts are arbitrary and capricious.
"The explanations are bereft of reasoning — virtually in their entirety... unsupported by [facts]."
Each of them are VOID and ILLEGAL, he says.
"The explanations are bereft of reasoning — virtually in their entirety... unsupported by [facts]."
Each of them are VOID and ILLEGAL, he says.
June 25, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Just in: NIH staff have been instructed to REINSTATE these ~900 grants to comply with the court order, per sources. This comes after staff were also directed to cease any further terminations.
You can see the lists grants to be reinstated in my post below.
You can see the lists grants to be reinstated in my post below.
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
Stay denied by Judge Young in APHA v NIH and State AGs v Kennedy cases.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
1/n
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
1/n
storage.courtlistener.com
June 24, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Stay denied by Judge Young in APHA v NIH and State AGs v Kennedy cases.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
1/n
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
1/n
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
BREAKING: In a unanimous decision, a federal court of appeals has ruled that Louisiana's law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school classrooms is unconstitutional.
We’ll keep saying it: Public schools are not Sunday schools.
We’ll keep saying it: Public schools are not Sunday schools.
June 20, 2025 at 7:50 PM
BREAKING: In a unanimous decision, a federal court of appeals has ruled that Louisiana's law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school classrooms is unconstitutional.
We’ll keep saying it: Public schools are not Sunday schools.
We’ll keep saying it: Public schools are not Sunday schools.
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
This is so despicable.
Know that you can still provide @trevorproject.bsky.social's direct number (866-488-7386 or text to 678-678) to folks who need it.
Given that this also cuts needed funding for this work, it's a good day to donate to The Trevor Project here:
Know that you can still provide @trevorproject.bsky.social's direct number (866-488-7386 or text to 678-678) to folks who need it.
Given that this also cuts needed funding for this work, it's a good day to donate to The Trevor Project here:
June 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
This is so despicable.
Know that you can still provide @trevorproject.bsky.social's direct number (866-488-7386 or text to 678-678) to folks who need it.
Given that this also cuts needed funding for this work, it's a good day to donate to The Trevor Project here:
Know that you can still provide @trevorproject.bsky.social's direct number (866-488-7386 or text to 678-678) to folks who need it.
Given that this also cuts needed funding for this work, it's a good day to donate to The Trevor Project here:
although there are still uncertainties in how this ruling will play out, this is nonetheless important to celebrate. HUGE thank you to the many people who contributed so much of their time, expertise, and emotional energy to bring these lawsuits to fruition.
THIS IS IT! THIS IS HUGE!!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
"This Court rules that the challenged directives . . . are arbitrary and capricious."
"They are of no force and effect."
"They are illegal and so are each of the terminations before this Court"
"They are of no force and effect."
"They are illegal and so are each of the terminations before this Court"
June 17, 2025 at 12:28 AM
although there are still uncertainties in how this ruling will play out, this is nonetheless important to celebrate. HUGE thank you to the many people who contributed so much of their time, expertise, and emotional energy to bring these lawsuits to fruition.
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
MORE YOUNG: "It is palpably clear that these directives and the set of terminated grants here also are designed to frustrate, to stop, research that may bear on the health – we’re talking about health here, the health of Americans, of our LGBTQ community. That’s appalling."
June 16, 2025 at 6:27 PM
MORE YOUNG: "It is palpably clear that these directives and the set of terminated grants here also are designed to frustrate, to stop, research that may bear on the health – we’re talking about health here, the health of Americans, of our LGBTQ community. That’s appalling."
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
THIS IS IT! THIS IS HUGE!!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
"This Court rules that the challenged directives . . . are arbitrary and capricious."
"They are of no force and effect."
"They are illegal and so are each of the terminations before this Court"
"They are of no force and effect."
"They are illegal and so are each of the terminations before this Court"
June 16, 2025 at 6:21 PM
THIS IS IT! THIS IS HUGE!!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
Finally. A person with (more) power calling these terminations what they are: discrimination. What an incredible moment to witness.
After ruling, with anger in his voice, Judge Young:
"This represents racial discrimination. And discrimination against America's LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so."
"This represents racial discrimination. And discrimination against America's LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so."
June 16, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Finally. A person with (more) power calling these terminations what they are: discrimination. What an incredible moment to witness.
Huge thanks to @anniewaldman.bsky.social and @propublica.org for shining a light on these terminations. These terminations are a major blow professionally. But they'll wreak far more havoc on the health and livelihood of so many humans.
NEW: The Trump administration said their research did not "enhance health, lengthen life, or reduce illness."
Thousands of scientists disagreed.
We heard from +150 researchers impacted by the NIH grant terminations on what is being lost in the cuts. 🧵👇
projects.propublica.org/nih-cuts-res...
Thousands of scientists disagreed.
We heard from +150 researchers impacted by the NIH grant terminations on what is being lost in the cuts. 🧵👇
projects.propublica.org/nih-cuts-res...
Shattered Science: The Research Lost as Trump Targets NIH Funding
The Trump administration cut research funding that sought cures for future pandemics, examined the causes of dementia and tried to prevent HIV transmission. More than 150 researchers shared with ProPu...
projects.propublica.org
June 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Huge thanks to @anniewaldman.bsky.social and @propublica.org for shining a light on these terminations. These terminations are a major blow professionally. But they'll wreak far more havoc on the health and livelihood of so many humans.
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
Entire CDC staff that oversaw an annual survey to better understand infant & maternal health was axed.
For 3+ decades, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, or PRAMS, surveyed moms pre/postpartum & has been used by researchers to study US’s disproportionately high maternal mortality rates
For 3+ decades, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, or PRAMS, surveyed moms pre/postpartum & has been used by researchers to study US’s disproportionately high maternal mortality rates
Gold-standard maternal mortality database in limbo as CDC staff placed on leave
As part of the sweeping layoffs that rocked HHS, the entire staff that oversaw an annual survey to better understand infant and maternal health was placed on administrative leave.
www.statnews.com
June 11, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Entire CDC staff that oversaw an annual survey to better understand infant & maternal health was axed.
For 3+ decades, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, or PRAMS, surveyed moms pre/postpartum & has been used by researchers to study US’s disproportionately high maternal mortality rates
For 3+ decades, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, or PRAMS, surveyed moms pre/postpartum & has been used by researchers to study US’s disproportionately high maternal mortality rates
Reposted by Lauren Forrest
When I heard the mom of a trans girl say the night her daughter came out to her was the first time she'd ever seen her child happy, I knew it was a story I needed to share.
These are the stories the public isn't hearing. An honor to get to report on 3 family's journeys for @teenvogue.com.
These are the stories the public isn't hearing. An honor to get to report on 3 family's journeys for @teenvogue.com.
Why These Trans Teens and Their Families Risked Everything to Get Gender-Affirming Care
It’s as simple as love.
www.teenvogue.com
June 11, 2025 at 3:17 PM
When I heard the mom of a trans girl say the night her daughter came out to her was the first time she'd ever seen her child happy, I knew it was a story I needed to share.
These are the stories the public isn't hearing. An honor to get to report on 3 family's journeys for @teenvogue.com.
These are the stories the public isn't hearing. An honor to get to report on 3 family's journeys for @teenvogue.com.
I knew that NIH has awarded very few new grants. But I just searched how many new grants NIMHD has awarded in FY25. I selected NIMHD bc they are the IC for my now-terminated and pulled-from-review grants. The answer: n=6. Four are small biz grants, two are R01s. Holy shit.
RePORT ⟩ RePORTER
reporter.nih.gov
June 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
I knew that NIH has awarded very few new grants. But I just searched how many new grants NIMHD has awarded in FY25. I selected NIMHD bc they are the IC for my now-terminated and pulled-from-review grants. The answer: n=6. Four are small biz grants, two are R01s. Holy shit.