Celebrating 30 Years

September 24, 2025, 2:00 p.m. ET
Eileen Crimmins, Ph.D., will discuss and clarify how the social environment affects biological processes to produce differential rates of aging by integrating biological measures at two levels—the molecular and cellular features included in the “hallmarks of aging” and risk factors identified at the biochemical or clinical level—into models assessing social differences in key health outcomes.

Despite the well-known Lewin’s Maxim—“there is nothing as practical as a good theory” (McCain, 2016)—many health researchers still struggle to understand or appreciate the utility of theory. I recall mentoring early-stage investigators who quipped that the only use for theory was to impress grant application reviewers, failing to grasp how theory could actually improve their research.

September 8, 2025, 12:00–4:30 p.m. ET
The NIH’s Health Behavior Theories (HBT) Project aims to identify core needs for advancing HBT quality and use and establish a foundation for future progress. In this conference, HBT Project members and other NIH leaders will report on recent efforts and facilitate collaborative discussions to explore cross-cutting challenges and opportunities for HBT.