Abstract
COVID-19 presents an existential challenge for millions of people and a generational challenge for the globe. Scientific research is the primary vehicle in humanity's attempts to understand the virus and mitigate its effects. Research on the pathogen is critically important. At the same time, COVID-19's consequences are due to more than the pathogen. Social and behavioral science research is essential in understanding how to achieve the highest possible health and safety levels, and how to preserve and improve quality of life, within complex and interdependent societies. This article describes the social sciences' role in this challenge and offers examples of its insights.