Call for Nominations: Distinguished Lecturer at the 17th Matilda White Riley Honors
Deadline: February 9, 2024
Event Overview:
OBSSR staff invite you to nominate outstanding social-behavioral scientists as candidates for Distinguished Lecturer at the 17th Matilda White Riley Honors. The Distinguished Lecturer will be recognized on our website and will be invited to provide the keynote address at this year’s event, which will be held in-person. Learn more about the Honors event and previous awardees: https://obssr.od.nih.gov/news-and-events/nih-matilda-white-riley-behavioral-and-social-sciences-honors/ The nominee should have a research career that has advanced behavioral and social scientific knowledge in areas within NIH’s mission and that expands upon Dr. White Riley’s work, including
- An expanded conceptualization of health and wellbeing that includes effective cognitive, affective and social functioning; and quality of life
- Behavioral and social sciences research results that improve the lives of people and society
- Illuminate the complex and dynamic interplay among processes at multiple levels (e.g. interactions between genes and the built, natural, and social environment)
- Influence of social and behavioral factors on physical health and the utility of this knowledge for clinical practice and health policy
- Life course perspective on development, health, and wellbeing of individuals and societies
- Research approaches that build theory and methods in the advancement of knowledge on health and wellbeing
OBSSR has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in speaker selection and agenda development of its scientific meetings and events. Nominees need not have NIH funding. Please save your nominee information as a PDF file and send it to Erica Spotts via email, [email protected], by COB February 9, 2024. Nominee information should include: - Page 1: Nominee’s full contact information, including link to their webpage(s) - Page 2: A one-page statement demonstrating how the nominee’s research results and practice correspond with Dr. White Riley’s vision - Page 3: Nominee’s CV and/or NIH bio sketch
If you have any questions, please contact Erica Spotts, [email protected], Chair, NIH Matilda White Riley Lecture Selection Committee.
APS interview: Former OBSSR Acting Director, Dr. Christine Hunter
Dr. Christine Hunter was interviewed by Dr. Wendy Wood for the Association for Psychological Science’s Presidential Column this past October. It was wonderful to read Christine’s thoughtful discussion of her experience in moving from clinical care to research administration, the fulfillment she received from the program officer role she held at NIDDK, and her approach to transferring her passion for solving important public health challenges through the application of behavioral and social sciences, when she transitioned to our office to serve first as Deputy Director and then as Acting Director. The full interview can be accessed at the link below:
Full Interview
Out Now: Report on Research on Women’s Health for Fiscal Years 2021-2022
NIH recently published the Report of the Advisory Committee on Research on Women’s Health: Office of Research on Women's Health and NIH Support for Research on Women's Health, also known as the Biennial Report. This report details the NIH-wide programs and accomplishments carried out in fulfillment of ORWH’s core mission. It also includes a summary of ORWH activities during FY 2021-2022. In this report, we are honored to receive mention of OBSSR’s activities that support women’s health or women-focused research, including a study of state-level policies on maternal mortality, as well as a study on the efficacy of group-based social affiliation intervention for increasing physical activity. The report includes a review of meetings and webinars sponsored or led by our office on topics related to women’s health within the context of behavioral and social sciences research. The full report can be accessed via ORWH’s website below:
Access Full Report
Save the Date: Future of Scientific Conferencing Workshop, June 6, 7, 11, 2024
This virtual workshop will bring together diverse perspectives from multiple disciplines to explore advantages, barriers, gaps, and opportunities in the future of scientific conferencing for the behavioral and social sciences. Areas of particular focus will include technological innovations that enable virtual and hybrid approaches, and the impact of these approaches on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) of participants and attendees as well as environmental sustainability. The workshop itself aims to leverage and model innovative evidence-informed approaches to showcase the potential of a virtual platform for learning, networking, and participant engagement. The overarching aims of the workshop are to facilitate interdisciplinary communication and networking, to identify cross-cutting scientific gaps regarding the role of behavioral and social science factors in scientific convenings, and to inform practical strategies for designing effective and engaging scientific conferences and meetings. Registration information for this workshop will be available on the OBSSR website in early Spring.
Transformative Research to Address Health Disparities and Advance Health Equity (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number (FON) Number
RFA-NR-24-004
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): February 22, 2024
Letter of Intent Due Date(s) February 22, 2024
Expiration Date: March 23, 2024
Purpose
The Transformative Research to Address Health Disparities and Advance Health Equity initiative is soliciting applications to support unusually innovative intervention research addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) which, if successful, would have a major impact on preventing, reducing, or eliminating health disparities and advancing health equity. Projects should clearly demonstrate, based on the strength of the logic, a compelling potential to produce a major impact on advancing NIH’s commitment to addressing SDOH to accelerate progress in improving health for all. Preliminary data are not required for this initiative.
This NOFO requires a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), which will be assessed as part of the scientific and technical peer review evaluation. Applications that fail to include a PEDP will be considered incomplete and will be withdrawn.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the NOFO instructions carefully and view the available PEDP guidance material.
View RFA-NR-004
[UPDATE: EXTENDED DEADLINE] Request for Information: BRAIN Initiative: Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization: Guidance for Opportunities in Development of Sensor Technology Hubs
Notice Number
NOT-MH-24-125
Key Dates
Release Date: November 13, 2023
New Response Date: February 20, 2024
Purpose
The Request For Information NOT-MH-24-125 for feedback on development of sensor test hubs to support our understanding of behavior’s deadline has been extended to Feb. 20th, 2024.
The 4 questions center around the following:
- Would test hubs be a good idea for the sensor developer community to help refine and compare sensors/ bioelectronic interfaces to be used in the brain-behavior space?
- What would be the best way to develop performance metrics especially for long term (48 hours or longer) recording conditions for acquisition of sensor signals?
- Is there value in testing sensors that measure different types of data together. Specific examples of sensor groupings are not required but are welcome.
- How could a testing hub optimally support and test the integration and synchronization of data streams, with brain recordings?
- Any other comments / feedback
Purpose
NIH is requesting information about how sensor technology hubs might advance the goals of the Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization (BBQS) program of the NIH BRAIN Initiative. The hubs would be used to evaluate sensor technology in a certain measurement modality, for example, temperature, pressure, inertial or electrochemical mode. The BRAIN Initiative BBQS funding opportunities support 1) the development of tools for simultaneous, multimodal measurement of behavior within complex, dynamic physical and/or social environments, 2) the synchronization of these behavioral data with simultaneously-recorded brain activity; and 3) the development of novel conceptual and computational models that capture dynamic neural-behavioral-environmental, and temporal relationships. This RFI focuses exclusively on the evaluation of sensor technology related to the BBQS program and follows a recent workshop, BBQS Workshop May 2023.
View NOT-MH-24-125
NIH Blueprint and BRAIN Initiative Program for Enhancing Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Education Experiences (BP BRAIN-ENDURE) (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number (FON):
RFA-NS-24-014
Key Dates
Letter of Intent Due Date (for first receipt date): January 15, 2024
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): February 15, 2024
Expiration Date: February 10, 2025
Purpose
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to prepare individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce, to pursue further studies or careers in neuroscience research. To achieve this goal, the initiative will support two-year neuroscience research education experiences comprised of year-round authentic neuroscience research projects, research and career development, and establishment of professional networks, implemented through collaborative partnerships integrated across different educational institution types. For more program details please watch “NIH Blueprint and BRAIN Initiative ENDURE Technical Assistance Webinar” that took place Sept 20th, 2023.
View RFA-NS-24-014
BRAIN Initiative: Brain-Behavior Quantification and Synchronization—Transformative and Integrative Models of Behavior at the Organismal Level (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number
RFA-DA-24-042
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): January 15, 2024
Application Due Date: February 15, 2024
Purpose
This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) seeks applications proposing a set of planning activities that will lay the groundwork for a scientific project aimed at integrating complementary theories and methods to 1) develop, validate, and apply cutting-edge tools and methods for minimally invasive, multi-dimensional, high-resolution measurement of behavior at the level of the organism, with synchronous capture of changes in the organism’s social or physical environment; and 2) develop data science and computational methods that allow for integration of multidimensional behavioral and environmental data representing multiple timescales, and that will establish of a conceptual and/or computational model of behavior as a complex dynamic system. Prospective projects are expected to be designed with the potential to integrate synchronously recorded neural data and/or inform existing models of neurobehavioral function, such as those developed with the support of the NIH BRAIN Initiative. The purpose of this R34 planning grant opportunity is to support planning and development of the research framework, design, and approach, including activities that will establish feasibility, validity, and/or other technically qualifying results that, if successful, would support a competitive application for a U01, or equivalent, NIH research award.
Applications should be submitted by multi-disciplinary teams with expertise spanning behavior and behavioral measurement, neurobiology, social systems, computer/data systems, engineering, biostatistics, neuroethics, and artificial intelligence. Please reach out to [email protected] or the scientific contact listed in the funding opportunity with any questions, and check the NIH BRAIN Initiative website (https://braininitiative.nih.gov/) for future funding opportunities in this space.
View RFA-DA-24-042
Career Enhancement Award to Advance Research on Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention (K18 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number (FON) Number:
PAR-24-073
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): February 15, 2024
Expiration Date: March 16, 2024
Purpose
This NIH Research Career Enhancement Award (K18) program invites applications from experienced investigators seeking to redirect or expand their research programs through the acquisition of new skills and knowledge in the area of firearm mortality and injury prevention research, which is beyond and complementary to their current areas of expertise. The program will support research training and career development experiences and a small-scale research project that will provide experienced investigators with the scientific competencies required to conduct research relevant to firearm morality and injury prevention research. Eligible candidates are independent investigators at any faculty rank or level.
The proposed project must be related to the programmatic interests of one or more of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) based on their scientific missions.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is designed specifically for applicants proposing to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary study to an existing trial, as part of their research and career development. Applicants not planning an independent clinical trial, or proposing to gain research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator, must apply to companion NOFO PAR-24-070.
View PAR-24-073
Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment or Prevention (SBIRT/P) for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use and misuse in adult populations that experience health disparities (R01, Clinical Trial Required)
NOFO Number
PAR-23-270
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): January 5, 2024
Expiration Date: May 08, 2027
Purpose
To test innovative approaches to implementing SBIRT/P for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use and misuse in adult populations that experience health disparities. SBIRT/P, (a term used for purposes of this funding announcement), involves screening individuals for risk of ATOD use and misuse, briefly intervening with a conversation about harmful substance use, and referring individuals for treatment or preventive services, as needed. Proposed research should include prospective tests of SBIRT/P and should leverage collaborations with healthcare and community partners Specific research interests of participating NIH ICOs are detailed within.
View PAR-23-270
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Administrative Supplements to Recognize Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Mentorship
Notice Number
NOT-OD-24-001
Key Dates
First Available Due Date: February 16, 2024
Expiration Date: February 17, 2024
Purpose
To support administrative supplements to existing NIH awards to support scientists who have demonstrated compelling commitments and contributions to mentorship and enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the biomedical sciences. Funds will support ongoing and future efforts.
The biomedical research enterprise includes a range of research, including basic science, behavioral and social science, and clinical research and will be described hereafter as biomedical research. Excellent mentorship and superior training are critical to developing exceptional future scientists and building a diverse scientific workforce in the U.S. However, these efforts may not always be appropriately recognized or well compensated. As such, the intent of this NOSI is to reach those individuals with limited NIH support.
Mentoring can be defined as “a professional, working alliance in which individuals work together over time to support the personal and professional growth, development, and success of the relational partners through the provision of career and psychosocial support” (NASEM, 2019). Mentorship provides psychosocial and career support, self-efficacy, and science identity; it is also culturally responsive (NASEM, 2019). To date, NIH has supported such efforts via NOT-OD-22-057 and NOT-OD-23-002. This Notice of Special Interest aims to continue this program into Fiscal Year 2024.
View NOT-OD-24-001
Multi-sectoral preventive interventions that address social determinants of health in populations that experience health disparities (UG3/UH3, Clinical Trial Required)
NOFO Number
PAR-24-053
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): July 5, 2024
Expiration Date: August 6, 2024
Purpose
To support projects to test prospective multi-sectoral preventive interventions that address social determinants of health in populations that experience health disparities. These research projects will be part of the Multi-Sectoral Preventive Interventions (MSPI) Research Network, which will also include a Coordinating Center (RFA-OD-24-006). Funded under a cooperative agreement, projects participating in the MSPI Research Network will collaborate to share approaches, methods, and data, working closely with NIH Institutes, Offices and Centers. Applicants applying to this NOFO are encouraged to review the Coordinating Center NOFO to fully understand the MSPI Research Network structure and activities.
This NOFO solicits bi-phasic research projects proposed in UG3/UH3 Phased Innovation Awards Cooperative Agreement applications. Funding for the UG3 phase (phase I) will be used to demonstrate sufficient preparation, feasibility and capacity to meet foundational milestone targets specific to the work proposed. A UG3 project that meets its milestones will be administratively considered by NIH and prioritized for transition to the UH3 award (phase II). Applicants responding to this NOFO must address specific aims and milestones for both the UG3 and UH3 phases.
View PAR-24-053
Coordinating Center to Support Multi-Sectoral Preventive Interventions that Address Social Determinants of Health in Populations that Experience Health Disparities (U24, Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number
RFA-OD-24-006
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): July 5, 2024
Expiration Date: August 6, 2024
Purpose
To seek applications for a Coordinating Center (CC) for the Multi-Sectoral Preventive Interventions (MSPI) Research Network. Members of the Multi-Sectoral Preventive Interventions (MSPI) Research Network, including the CC and separately funded research projects, will work collaboratively with the NIH to test prospective multi-sectoral preventive interventions that address social determinants of health in populations that experience health disparities. The MSPI Research Network will include the CC funded under this Cooperative Agreement and up to 10 Research Projects funded under the companion UG3/UH3 Phased Cooperative Agreement NOFO, PAR-24-053, Multi-sectoral preventive interventions that address social determinants of health in populations that experience health disparities.
The CC will provide overarching support and guidance to the network in three domains: (1) administration, coordination, and communication; (2) methodology, data, and analytic support and consultation; and (3) community and other collaborator engagement and dissemination support. It is important that applicants for the CC also read the companion NOFO to understand the full mission and structure of the research network.
View RFA-OD-24-006
Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number
PAR-23-293
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): January 19, 2024
Expiration Date: November 19, 2026
Purpose
To study the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of human genetic or genomic research. Applications may propose studies using either single or mixed methods. Approaches may include but are not limited to empirical qualitative and quantitative methods, and conceptual, legal, and normative analyses. Applied research designed to address ELSI issues in genetics and genomics will also be considered responsive. Direct engagement with communities and other interested groups is encouraged, but not required.
View PAR-23-293
Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number
PAR-23-295
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): January 19, 2024
Expiration Date: November 17, 2026
Purpose
To study the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of human genetic or genomic research. These applications should be for small, self-contained research projects, such as those that involve single investigators. Of particular interest are projects that propose normative or conceptual analyses, including focused legal, economic, philosophical, anthropological, or historical analyses of new or emerging issues. This mechanism can also be used for the collection of preliminary data and the secondary analysis of existing data. Applications may propose studies using either single or mixed methods. Applied research designed to address ELSI issues in genetics and genomics will also be considered responsive. Direct engagement with communities and other stakeholders is encouraged, but not required.
View PAR-23-295
BRAIN Initiative: New Concepts and Early-Stage Research for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R21) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number
RFA-EY-23-001
Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): October 12, 2023
Expiration Date: June 16, 2026
Purpose
This NOFO seeks applications for unique and innovative recording and/or modulation technologies that are in the earliest stage of development, including new and untested ideas that are in the initial stages of conceptualization. Some projects may aim to increase recording or modulation capabilities by many orders of magnitude, while others may aim to improve the precision and selectivity of recording or modulation (also referred to as stimulation, perturbation, or manipulation). A wide range of modalities are appropriate including acoustic, chemical, electrical, magnetic, and optical, as well as the use of genetic tools.
View RFA-EY-23-001
