How do social bonds and shared preferences affect reward-seeking in the context of maladaptive behaviors like nicotine use (R01DA053311)? How do psychosocial resilience, social support, and cultural identity protect against cognitive impairment in American Indians (R01AG070822)? How can we measure the experience of social isolation in nursing homes, and what is its effect on health and well-being (R01AG071692)? These questions are examples of basic behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help advance our understanding of the causes and mechanisms of health and disease.

NIH defines basic BSSR as “research that furthers our understanding of fundamental mechanisms and patterns of behavioral and social functioning, relevant to the nation’s health and well-being, and as they interact with each other, with biology, and the environment.” While a neuroscience experiment involving mice may be the example that most easily comes to mind, this area of science encompasses much more.

Basic BSSR is multilevel, analyzing influences from individuals to social groups and structural factors. Research is conducted in laboratories, clinics, and real-world settings, using both experimental and observational studies involving animals and humans. As a multidisciplinary field, basic BSSR spans and integrates neuroscience, psychology, sociology, demography, epidemiology, behavioral genetics, and more. A 2021 report led by OBSSR found that basic BSSR supported by NIH represents a broad range of research, from neurobiological mechanisms to population-level influences.

OBSSR’s vision focuses on the synergistic integration of behavioral and social sciences in health research. This includes supporting basic BSSR that informs applied research allowing both to act as partners with biomedical research to provide a comprehensive understanding of human health and well-being.

A key priority for OBSSR has been fostering coordination across the agency, exemplified by research funded through the NIH Basic Behavioral and Social Science Opportunity Network (OppNet). Research topics supported by OppNet include the maintenance of health behaviors, sleep and the social environment, decision-making, stress, epigenetics, culture and health, dyadic interpersonal processes, and chronic conditions. OppNet also supports programs for career advancement and training. Most recently, OppNet supported work on social connection and isolation, some of which is cited above.

The latest OBSSR-led efforts in basic BSSR highlight ongoing coordination and collaboration across NIH, including:

• Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization (BBQS) Program: OBSSR co-leads the BBQS program as part of the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative. BBQS aims to develop tools and approaches for simultaneously measuring complex behaviors and brain activity. This unique effort situates behavior and related brain activity in real-world environments across timescales.
• Interoception Research: In partnership with the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, OBSSR has played a key role in coordinating basic research on the brain–body connections necessary for interoception, the process by which an organism senses and responds to internal state signals, such as hunger or a racing heart.
• Aggressive Behavior Funding Opportunities: Building on insights from the “Advancing the Science of Aggression Across Species and Disciplines” workshop, and with concept approval from the NIH Council of Councils, OBSSR is leading the development of potential funding opportunities to advance research on the basic mechanisms of aggressive behavior that builds bridges among disciplinary silos.
• OppNet and the Executive Committee on Basic BSSR: OppNet’s coordinated efforts continue through the Executive Committee on Basic BSSR. The committee is co-led by OBSSR and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and includes leaders from many NIH institutes, centers, and offices. It actively identifies new opportunities in basic BSSR, addressing gaps in funding, leveraging scientific advancements, and aligning with NIH-wide priorities.

Basic BSSR lays the foundation for health and well-being across the lifespan, with broad relevance across diseases and disorders. By supporting this research, OBSSR advances its strategic priorities, including fostering collaboration, integrating basic and applied BSSR, refining measurement tools, promoting innovative experimental designs, and advancing data analytics. Moving forward, OBSSR remains committed to aligning basic BSSR with the NIH mission—developing solutions for the nation’s most pressing health challenges, from healthy child development to chronic disease prevention.

For a closer look at how basic BSSR informs health, join OBSSR’s Director’s Webinar on April 30 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Neuroscientist Michael Platt, Ph.D., will explore how primates navigate social relationships, connections that are key to promoting health, well-being, and survival.