Capacity Priority 1: BSSR Workforce Development
OBSSR recognizes the importance of developing the scientific talent and skills necessary to advance health-related BSSR. Training and capacity building are foundational to an effective BSSR workforce poised to address the complex research challenges of today and the future.
Through ongoing and innovative programs, such as TADA-BSSR and short courses, OBSSR will continue to promote the development, use, and enhancement of cutting-edge methods, measures, and skills that expand the capabilities of the BSSR workforce to address future research questions and adapt to evolving research needs and contexts. Training and capacity-building efforts that are crosscutting, include a diversity of disciplines and lived experiences, and strengthen BSSR’s ability to meet the scientific challenges of the future will be prioritized.
Capacity Priority 2: Organizational Climate
OBSSR also strives to develop and diversify the workforce within our own office, as the effectiveness of OBSSR staff is crucial to the coordination and integration of BSSR across NIH and beyond. Our practices are aligned with the NIH Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and we embrace the following objectives:
- A positive work environment and workforce culture with a strong sense of community
- Values and standards that are mutually developed and consistently supported
- Effective performance management, with clear procedures, fair policies, meaningful recognition, accountability, and transparency
- Transparency, with clear lines of communication
- Attention to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) to promote workplace, where every team member is valued, is respected, and feels a sense of belonging
- A workforce culture that supports work–life balance
- Leaders who also serve as mentors to promote individual career goals and satisfaction
