About OBSSR

The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) opened officially on July 1, 1995. The U.S. Congress established the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) in the Office of the Director, NIH, in recognition of the key role that behavioral and social factors often play in illness and health. The OBSSR mission is to stimulate behavioral and social sciences research throughout NIH and to integrate these areas of research more fully into others of the NIH health research enterprise, thereby improving our understanding, treatment, and prevention of disease. To provide the OBSSR with counsel in fulfilling its mission, the Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Coordinating Committee (BSSR CC) serves as an internal advisory board. Robert M. Kaplan, Ph.D. serves as director of the Office.

Adapted from Glass & McAtee, 2006

• Mission
  
  The major responsibilities of the office and its director are set forth in its mission statement.
  
  
• Strategic Plan
  
  
• Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (BSSR) Definition
  
  
• Activities and Accomplishments
  
  In order to fulfill its three principal goals, the Office engages in a variety of activities. Among these are:
  • Developing funding initiatives for research and training
  • Setting priorities for behavioral and social sciences research
  • Providing opportunities for training and career development for behavioral and scientists
  • Linking minority students with mentors
  • Organizing conferences, workshops, and lectures
  
  
• Staff and Address
  
  
• Former Directors of the Office
  • Dr. David Abrams, Ph.D., 2005-2008
    Next Step
    
    
  • Raynard S. Kington, M.D., Ph.D., 2000-2003
    Next Step
    
    
  • Norman B. Anderson, Ph.D., 1995-2000
    Next Step