We grow up in the context of our relationships with others. This concept is central to early relational health, the notion that safe, stable, and nurturing relationships (SSNRs) in early childhood build the foundation for healthy development across the lifespan. Decades of child development research have established the importance of SSNRs in a child’s life in enabling optimal physical and emotional development.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the official opening of OBSSR at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1995. Our office was created by Congress in 1993 to identify, coordinate, and advance behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) across NIH. The office’s formation underscored the essential role of BSSR in improving public health and shaping the way we approach scientific discovery.