The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) is responsible for coordinating the health-relevant behavioral and social sciences and identifying challenges and opportunities to advance these sciences at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To learn more about our commitment to enhancing, coordinating, and communicating health-related behavioral and social science research (BSSR), check out OBSSR’s Mission and History and Strategic Plan, as well as health-related BSSR accomplishments. The BSSR Definition describes the breadth and scope of the OBSSR mission at the NIH.

Organizational Structure

OBSSR is a part of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI). The mission of DPCPSI includes identifying emerging scientific opportunities, rising public health challenges, and scientific knowledge gaps that merit further research. The Division coordinates research and activities related to research on AIDS, behavioral and social sciences, women's health, disease prevention, dietary supplements, research infrastructure, sexual and gender minorities, tribal health, and data science.

About the Staff

OBSSR staff have experience and expertise in many different behavioral and social science fields and are here to help you. Our staff work closely with the other NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices to understand how OBSSR can best serve their research mission and the needs of their respective scientific communities. Please contact us for more information about the activities at OBSSR. We look forward to hearing from you!