Director's Voice Blog
The 2023 Annual NIH Matilda White Riley (MWR) Behavioral and Social Sciences Honors: May 15, 2023
Now in its 16th year, the OBSSR-hosted, half-day event recognizing the legacy and relevance of Dr. Matilda White Riley's work in the field of behavioral and social sciences will be held using a virtual format on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. ET.
It is OBSSR’s honor to recognize Dr. Jennifer J. Manly as the 2023 Distinguished Lecturer. Jennifer J. Manly, Ph.D., is a Professor of Neuropsychology in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Her research focuses on mechanisms of inequalities in cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. Her research team has partnered with the Black and Latinx communities in New York City and around the United States to design and carry out investigations of structural and social forces across the lifecourse, such as educational opportunities, discrimination, and socioeconomic inequality, and how these factors relate to cognition and brain health later in life.
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Characteristics of early childhood environments are known to be associated with health trajectories over the lifespan. While adverse home environments and risky neighborhood environments are strongly linked with adverse physical and mental health outcomes as children age, a growing body of research has shown that certain parenting behaviors, such as parental monitoring, knowledge of children’s’ daily lives, and limit- or boundary-setting can have a moderating effect for at-risk youth. The discussion of parental monitoring has become more nuanced within the past two decades. If children are living in risky environments, heightened parental vigilance has been shown to be associated with fewer negative mental and physical health outcomes into adolescence and beyond. However, in lower-risk (and higher resourced) environments, this protective relationship has not been observed. In fact, in these lower-risk settings, parental monitoring and limit-setting may be associated with poor outcomes in youth. Recently published research supported by the NIH Common Fund, NIMHD, and others aimed to address this knowledge gap, by investigating longitudinal associations between early childhood environments, parental vigilance, and adult physical and mental health outcomes.
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It is widely accepted that men who have sex with men (MSM) are adversely impacted by HIV, due to the role of public and private stigma that influence barriers to HIV prevention, diagnosis, and social support. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the associations between discriminatory public policies and structural biases and health outcomes impacting the MSM and LGBTQ communities. Supported by NIMH, NIAID, and others, researchers leveraged pooled, cross-sectional study data to conduct multilevel logistic regression to further the science regarding these associations.
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Decades of research has indicated that corporal punishment, defined as the use of physical pain to punish, correct, discipline, etc., can evoke a complex emotional experience in adolescents including increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, we well as increased aggressive and antisocial behavior and reduced inhibitory control and working memory capacity. Additionally, harsh parenting, characterized by high levels of control and low levels of warmth and can include corporal punishment may influence how the child’s brain responds to mistakes. Despite this previous research, the effect of corporal punishment on neurocognitive systems is not fully understood. A new study supported by NIMH and others investigated the neural mechanisms underlying the association between corporal punishment and these adverse effects.
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Register: Dr. Jennifer J. Manly and ESI Honorees on May 15
16th NIH Matilda White Riley Behavioral and Social Sciences Honors (virtual event)
Monday, May 15, 2023, 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET
Register and view the agenda: https://www.scgcorp.com/thmwrhonors2023
2023 NIH Matilda White Riley (MWR) Distinguished Lecturer:
Jennifer J. Manly, Ph.D., Professor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Presenting: Lifecourse Social and Structural Mechanisms of Inequalities in Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
OBSSR Director's Webinar with Dr. Megan L. Ranney on May 16
Violence as a public health problem: What we know, and where we are going
May 16, 2023, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Register: https://scgcorp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qDH0nIIMRce4QKypVHUqEQ#/registration
Featured Plenary Speaker:
Megan L. Ranney, MD, MPH, FACEP, Deputy Dean, Brown University School of Public Health
Overview
The United States had more mass shootings than days of the year in 2022, and firearm injury has overtaken car crashes as the leading cause of death for American children. Meanwhile, our youth — particularly young women and sexual- and gender-minority youth — are reporting unprecedented rates of depression and suicidal thoughts. In this talk, Dr. Ranney will present work that illuminates the current state of knowledge on physical, digital, and firearm violence and co-occurring disorders (such as depressive symptoms and substance use disorder). She will discuss novel approaches, drawn from her and others’ work, to studying, preventing, and treating these interdependent crises across the social-ecological model. Attendees will leave with clarity on what we know, what we don’t know, and where we need to move faster.
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Ableism in Medicine and Clinical Research
Dates: April 27 & 28, 2023
Location: NIH Videocast
This two-day, virtual workshop hosted by NIH, focuses on awareness and research opportunities to mitigate the impact of Ableism in both clinical care and the biomedical and behavioral research enterprise.
The scientific sessions during this workshop will focus on Ableism across multiple dimensions, including:
- Ableism as a barrier to clinical care and a contributor to health disparities experienced by People with Disabilities.
- Ableism in the biomedical and behavioral scientific workforce and graduate education system.
- Accessibility in biomedical and behavioral research.
- Research opportunities addressing structural and cultural barriers created by Ableism.
This workshop is intended to inform future research areas in this complex area of public health.
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Workshop on Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization: Sensor Technologies to Capture the Complexity of Behavior
Dates: May 2–3, 2023
Location: Hybrid — NIH Campus, Natcher Auditorium, Bethesda, Maryland and Virtual
As a part of the National Institutes of Health’s Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative's Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization Program, the National Institute of Mental Health is conducting a workshop on sensor technologies to improve our understanding of complex behavior.
The goal of this workshop is to bring together a diverse group of scientists and innovators from various fields and sectors to improve our understanding of behavior in health and disease. This event is free and registration is required. Onsite registration is available, but if attendees want lunch, you must register in advance.
View the workshop agenda.
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Webinar Recording Available: Re-imagining What’s Possible: A Future Where Reproductive Justice is Achieved
On March 28, 2023, OBSSR hosted a director's webinar featuring Dr. Monica McLemore on “Re-imagining What’s Possible: A Future Where Reproductive Justice is Achieved.” The purpose of this session was to honor the work that has been done toward health equity and to move beyond reproductive health and rights to reproductive justice. Dr. McLemore is a tenured professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and the Interim Director for the Center for Anti-Racism in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing.
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NIH Institutional Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Biomedical and Behavioral Research Prize Competition
NIH is now accepting submissions for a new initiative that rewards effective strategies for enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in research environments: the NIH Institutional Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in Biomedical and Behavioral Research Prize Competition.
The prize competition will recognize and reward biomedical and behavioral science institutions that have identified gaps in DEIA and designed, implemented, and evaluated interventions to address them. It also aims to identify effective practices for enhancing DEIA within faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and student bodies that can be feasibly disseminated for adoption by other institutions.
NIH will award up to 10 prizes of $100,000 each through the competition. Up to half of the prizes will be set aside for consideration for limited-resourced institutions. NIH may also recognize additional entries as honorable mentions with nonmonetary awards.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the prize competition preregistration webinar on May 17, 2023.
Visit the Prize Competition website to review the eligibility and participation rules and to submit a written entry. The deadline to apply is September 26, 2023.
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NIH Releases FY 2023-2027 NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for DEIA
The National Institutes of Health recently issued its Fiscal Years 2023-2027 NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Harmonized with the 2021-2025 NIH-Wide Strategic Plan, the plan articulates NIH’s commitment to embracing, strengthening, and integrating DEIA across all agency activities. The plan will guide actions across the agency in a transparent and accountable manner to achieve NIH’s vision of being a people-centered organization where all feel a sense of belonging when advancing the NIH mission.
The plan organizes NIH’s DEIA priorities in three key areas or objectives to address DEIA in NIH’s operations, its workforce, and in the research it supports. Across all these priorities, NIH emphasizes three crosscutting themes—promoting transparency, communication, and engagement; fostering sustainable change; and harnessing data.
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PATH Study: Wave 6 Data Release
The Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study announces the release of the Wave 6 Restricted-Use File (RUF), an updated Master Linkage File, and updates to the Restricted Use Files to include Ever/Never Reference Data from Wave 5.5 and the PATH Study Adult Telephone Survey (PATH ATS). Wave 6 files contain data collected through the PATH Study (March 2021 through November 2021), and researchers may apply for access at https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR36231. In addition to applying for access to the Restricted-Use Files, members of the research community are encouraged to apply for the Biomarker Restricted-Use Files at https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR36840. The Biospecimen Access Program webpage provides information on how to access the urine, serum, plasma, and genomic DNA (gDNA) collected from adult PATH Study participants during Wave 1 (2013 – 2014) and urine collected during Wave 2 (2014 – 2015), Wave 3 (2015-2016), Wave 4 (2016-2018), and Wave 5 (2018-2019). Public-Use Files are also available for download at https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR36498. The updated Master Linkage Files for the PATH Study may be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR38008.
Information about the PATH Study can be found in the “For Researchers” section of the PATH Study Series Page at https://doi.org/10.3886/Series606
Notice of Special Interest: Administrative Supplements to NIH-funded T32 and TL1 Training Grants to Better Integrate Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) with other Health-Related Sciences Disparities
Notice Number
NOT-OD-23-098
Key Dates
First Available Due Date: May 1, 2023
Expiration Date: May 2, 2023
Purpose
OBSSR is interested in supporting the integration of health-related behavioral and social sciences (BSS) with other biomedical methodological and scientific disciplines (e.g., genetics, immunology, metabolomics, molecular biology, microbiome, biochemistry, or physiological sciences). The goal is to train a research workforce that has the integrated content expertise and skills to meaningful address gaps in scientific advancement that are not well served by a more siloed approach to research.
View NOT-OD-23-098
Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Accelerating Behavioral and Social Science through Ontology Development and Use (U01)
NOFO Number
NOT-OD-23-089
Key Dates
Estimated Publication Date of Funding Opportunity : April 30, 2023
First Estimated Application Due Date: September 30, 2023
Purpose
OBSSR, with other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a funding opportunity to accelerate behavioral and social science through ontology development and use. Applications will be encouraged to develop new or expand existing ontologies for behavioral or social science research (BSSR). Applicants will be expected to form multi-disciplinary teams including subject matter experts in one or more BSSR fields, as well as experts in semantic knowledge structures. Proposals will be expected to focus on health-relevant terminology related to constructs, measures, and/or interventions. Funded projects and investigator teams will participate in a collaborative research network. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. The funding opportunities are expected to be published in Spring 2023 with expected application due dates in Fall 2023.
Research projects supported should focus on behavioral or social science ontology expansion or development, dissemination, and use. The projects must include multidisciplinary teams of subject-matter experts in behavioral and/or social science as well as ontology related informatics. Each project should identify one or more use cases and elucidate the justification of the need and potential demand for the proposed ontological resource or tool. Examples of use cases include, but are not limited to, those listed in Ontologies in the Behavioral Sciences: Accelerating Research and the Spread of Knowledge. Projects should advance research capabilities and efficiencies and address problems not easily solved without improvement in semantic knowledge structures (e.g., controlled vocabularies, taxonomies, and ontologies).
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Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Accelerating Behavioral and Social Science through Ontology Development and Use (U24)
NOFO Number
NOT-OD-23-090
Key Dates
Estimated Publication Date of Funding Opportunity: April 30, 2023
First Estimated Application Due Date: September 30, 2023
Purpose
OBSSR, with other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), intends to publish a funding opportunity soliciting applications to establish a Dissemination and Coordination Center (DCC) for a U24 Research Network on Behavioral and Social Science Ontology Development. DCC teams must include subject matter experts in one or more fields of behavioral or social science, ontology-related informatics and computational approaches, and Team Science or the Science of Science.
The DCC supported through this initiative will have four primary responsibilities: 1) Coordinating and providing logistical support to facilitate collaboration and cross-U01 project learning; 2) Providing ontology-related technical, computational, and informatics expertise and support; 3) Facilitating dissemination of resources and training to support ontology expansion, development, and use; and 4) Providing active outreach and coordination with relevant stakeholders to increase understanding of and demand for BSSR ontology-related tools and resources.
View NOT-OD-23-090
BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (R61 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)
NOFO Number
RFA-DC-24-001
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): August 22, 2023
Expiration Date: September 20, 2025
Purpose
Invasive surgical procedures offer the opportunity for unique intracranial interventions such as the ability to record and stimulate intracranially within precisely localized brain structures in humans. Human studies using invasive technology are often constrained by a limited number of patients and available resources, and frequently the resulting datasets need to be aggregated across sites to achieve sufficient statistical power. To overcome these fundamental barriers and to investigate high-impact questions in human neuroscience, this NOFO seeks applications to assemble diverse, integrated, multi-disciplinary teams that cross boundaries of interdisciplinary collaboration.
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BRAIN Initiative Fellows: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32)
NOFO Number
RFA-MH-23-110
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): July 9, 2023
Expiration Date: August 12, 2025
Purpose
The purpose of the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative Fellows (F32) program is to enhance the research training of promising postdoctorates early in their postdoctoral training period, who have the potential to become productive investigators in research areas that will advance the goals of the BRAIN Initiative. Applications are encouraged in any research area aligned with the BRAIN Initiative, including neuroethics.
View RFA-MH-23-110
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Research to Address Vaccine Uptake and Implementation among Populations Experiencing Health Disparities
NOSI Number
NOT-MD-23-008
Key Dates
First Available Due Date: May 17, 2023
Expiration Date: June 6, 2026
Purpose
This NOSI highlights the need for research on strategies and interventions to increase vaccine uptake and implementation among populations experiencing health disparities in the United States (U.S.) and its territories.
View NOT-MD-23-008
Instrumentation Grant Program for Resource-Limited Institutions (S10 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number
PAR-23-138
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): June 3, 2023
Expiration Date: June 3, 2025
Purpose
The Instrumentation Grant Program for Resource-limited Institutions supports the purchase of state-of-the-art scientific instruments to enhance the research and educational missions of resource-limited institutions. Requested instruments may support biomedical research and education in basic, translational, biomedically-related behavioral or clinical fields.
View PAR-23-138
Jointly Sponsored Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Predoctoral Training Program in the Neurosciences (T32 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number
PAR-22-265
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): April 25, 2023
Expiration Date: May 26, 2025
Purpose
The Jointly Sponsored NIH Predoctoral Training Program in the Neurosciences (JSPTPN) is an institutional program that supports broad and fundamental research training in the neurosciences. In addition to a broad education in the neurosciences, a key component will be a curriculum that provides a strong foundation in experimental design, statistical methodology and quantitative reasoning. JSPTPN programs are intended to be 2 years in duration and students may only be appointed to this training grant during the first 2 years of their graduate research training. The primary objective is to prepare students to be well-trained scientists equipped to pursue careers in neuroscience.
View PAR-22-265
BRAIN Initiative: Optimization of Instrumentation and Device Technologies for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (U01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
NOFO Number
RFA-NS-24-005
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): May 30, 2023
Expiration Date: January 21, 2026
Purpose
This funding opportunity seeks applications to optimize instrumentation and device technologies for recording and modulation of neural cells and circuits, to address major challenges and to enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the central nervous system. It is expected that the proposed technologies and approaches have previously demonstrated their transformative potential through initial proof-of-concept testing, and are ready for accelerated refinement through iterative engineering and end-user feedback, appropriate for a path towards sustainable dissemination and user-friendly incorporation into routine neuroscience research.
View RFA-NS-24-005
BRAIN Initiative: New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number
RFA-NS-24-004
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): May 30, 2023
Expiration Date: January 21, 2026
Purpose
This funding opportunity seeks applications for proof-of-concept testing and development of new technologies and novel approaches for recording and modulation of neural cells and circuits, to address major challenges and enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the central nervous system. Preliminary feasibility data are not required, and it is expected that the proposed research may be high-risk, but if successful could profoundly change the course of neuroscience research.
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Research With Activities Related to Diversity (ReWARD) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number
PAR-23-122
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): May 5, 2023
Expiration Date: May 8, 2026
Purpose
The NIH Research With Activities Related to Diversity (ReWARD) Program's overarching goal is to enhance the breadth and geographical location of research and research-related activities supported by NIH. The ReWARD program provides support for the health-related research of scientists who are making a significant contribution to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and who have no current NIH research project grant funding. The ReWARD program provides funding for both the scientific research and the DEIA activities of investigators. The grant will support scientific research in areas related to the programmatic interests of one or more of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) and ongoing DEIA activities focused on enhancing diversity in the biomedical research enterprise within the United States and territories.
View PAR-23-122
