Director's Spotlight

In her monthly Director’s Spotlight, OBSSR Director Jane M. Simoni discusses timely topics related to behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR). Subscribe to receive updates.

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Archived Content

This page is archived and provided for historical reference. The content is no longer being updated, and some of the information may have changed over time and could be outdated or inaccurate.

NIH Releases Report Summarizing Research on Vaccine Communication
This report, which was developed in consultation with leading experts in social and behavioral sciences and public health, outlines evidence-informed communication strategies in support of national COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts across federal agencies and their state and local partners. The report builds on four foundational principles (coordinated and consistent messaging, building trust, consideration of health literacy, and prioritizing equity) to offer concrete recommendations for targeted and tailored communication.
Expanding the Role of the Behavioral and Social Sciences in Population Health: OBSSR 2011–2014
As we celebrate 25 years of the OBSSR, we have asked the former Directors to reflect on their time at the OBSSR. This guest blog was authored by the OBSSR’s fourth Director, Robert Kaplan, Ph.D.
NIH Behavioral and Social Science COVID-19 Research Funding
NIH funded behavioral and social sciences-related COVID-19 research including survey item repositories DR2 and PhenX, supplemental funding to the NIH ICOs, SBE health impacts research, and the development of RADx-UP.
Expanding the Reach and Impact of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research: OBSSR 2005–2008
As we celebrate 25 years of the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), we have asked the former Directors to reflect on their time at the OBSSR. This guest blog was authored by OBSSR’s third Director, David Abrams, Ph.D.
OBSSR Launches the Training in Advanced Data and Analytics for Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (TADA-BSSR) Program
OBSSR awarded grants for its 5-year data science T32 training program.
Celebrating 25 Years of the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
As we celebrate 25 years of the OBSSR, we have asked James M. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, to provide a perspective of the OBSSR from NIH leadership.
Promoting Inclusion of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Across the NIH: OBSSR 2000–2003
As we celebrate 25 years of the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), we have asked the former Directors to reflect on their time at the OBSSR. This guest blog was authored by OBSSR’s second Director, Raynard Kington, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A.
Virtual NIH Matilda White Riley Behavioral and Social Sciences Honors on June 8
This year marks OBSSR’s 25th anniversary and also the first year that we will conduct the Matilda White Riley Honors virtually due to the social distancing necessities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building a Strong Foundation: The Early Years of the OBSSR (1995–2000)
As we celebrate 25 years of the OBSSR, we have asked the former Directors to reflect on their time at the OBSSR. This guest blog was authored by OBSSR’s first Director, Norman B. Anderson, Ph.D.
How to Help People Do What They Need to Do to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
“You tell me what you need people to do, and I’ll tell you how to help them do it.” Although a simplification, this statement by social and behavioral scientists to our infectious disease colleagues illustrates the nature of our collaboration during an infectious disease outbreak like the current COVID-19 outbreak. Without this collaboration, we risk that people will not do what we are telling them to do.