News and Events

Archived Content

The Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research (OBSSR) archives materials older than three years that are no longer updated. This content is available for historical purposes, and the information and links may have changed over time.

national institutes of health - office of behavioral and social sciences research

November 19, 2018

Director's Voice

Celebrating the behavioral and social sciences at the NIH. On November 27, 2018, the NIH Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Coordinating Committee (BSSR-CC) and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) will host the third NIH Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Festival. This one-day festival provides the opportunity to highlight some of the impactful behavioral and social science research funded by the various NIH institutes and centers and gives the NIH staff a day to network and focus on the science we all work to advance.

This year’s festival has an exceptional slate of presentations and activities. The keynote speaker is Dr. Adriana Lleras-Muney, recipient of the 2017 PECASE (Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers). Dr. Lleras-Muney is professor of economics at UCLA, and her work includes research on the effects of anti-poverty cash programs on the health and welfare of children.

Read Full Blog

Research Spotlights

Findings from Recently Published Research

photo of woman sitting at table with child looking at book.

Behavioral risk markers for ADHD appear early in child development

Younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at greater risk for ASD and other developmental concerns. A recent NIMH and NICHD funded study identified behavior and temperament problems at 36 months in this population that later predicted ADHD diagnoses. Read More

Brain anatomy and psychological traits may predict who responds to placebos

Placebo effects are widely reported but understanding how they work and who will favorably respond is not clear. But a new NCCIH-funded study indicates certain personality traits and distinctive brain features can predict a patient’s positive placebo response.
Learn More

Graphical representation showing the index finger of two hands on opposite sides about to join together, graphic depicts social nextworking.

The health of those in your social networks impacts your own

Researchers funded by NICHD and NINDS recently created a quantitative social network assessment tool that found unhealthy behaviors in an individual’s social network are associated with that individual’s self-reported neurological disability. Go There Now

In the Know

Events and Announcements

NIH to Host Second Informational Webinar on Proposed Key Provisions for a Future Draft Data Management and Sharing Policy

NIH will host a second informational public webinar regarding the agency’s solicitation for public input on proposed key provisions that could serve as a foundation for a future NIH policy for data management and sharing (released through a Request for Information [RFI] on October 10, 2018). This webinar, led by Dr. Carrie Wolinetz, Acting NIH Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Science Policy, will take place on November 19, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Access the Webinar

The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Seeks Community Input on Future Neuroscience Investments

The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, a group of 14 NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) that support research on the nervous system, recently released an RFI on the Proposed Funding Priorities for Neuroscience Research and Input on Cross-Cutting Opportunities. This RFI seeks input on future Blueprint activities and investments that have the potential to make the broadest possible impact for the neuroscience community. Ideally suggestions should take into consideration how the activities proposed would complement other ongoing NIH neuroscience research, such as the NIH BRAIN Initiative and programs supported by the participating Blueprint Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs). Your input is crucial; help shape the future of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research by submitting your input before November 26, 2018. All comments must be submitted electronically. Submit a Response

Applications Now Open: Mixed Methods Research Training Program

The Mixed Methods Research Training Program for the Health Sciences is currently accepting applications for 2019 program scholars. This training program aims to enhance mixed method research skills through a curriculum that includes interactive webinars, working with mixed methods mentors and consultants, and attending a summer retreat. The retreat will be held in Baltimore June 10–12, 2019 (with arrivals in Baltimore on June 9). For successful applicants, most costs to attend the retreat (transport, meals, hotel) are covered by the program. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2019. Apply Today

Now Available: 2018 OBSSR Methodology Seminar Videocast Archive

The video archive of OBSSR’s one-day methodology seminar on predictive modeling is now available. The seminar showcased principles and techniques for prediction modeling from machine learning via specific case examples presented by scientists who apply predictive algorithms to health-related behavioral and social sciences data. Go There Now

Emotional Well-Being: Emerging Insights and Questions for Future Research

To gain a deeper insight into the existing research on the role of emotional well-being in health and the implications for public understanding, NCCIH and OBSSR, in collaboration with other NIH institutes, centers, and offices, cosponsored a roundtable discussion with the goal of advancing research in this area. Its focus was on issues in developing, testing, and implementing intervention strategies to promote emotional well-being. The report from that meeting is now available. Read More

Funding Announcements

Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Injury Across the Lifespan: Exploratory Research (R21 Clinical Trials Optional)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports planning, design and initial pilots for locally relevant and catalytic research on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or injury in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Research addressing multiple NCDs and their risk factors and research addressing NCDs as comorbidities for/with infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS is encouraged. View the FOA

Social and Behavioral Research eLearning Course

Good Clinical Practice in Social and Behavioral Research

Complete the free NIH Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Training through the Society of Behavioral Medicine. In September 2016, the NIH issued a Policy on Good Clinical Practice Training for NIH awardees involved in NIH-funded clinical trials. The principles of GCP help assure the safety, integrity, and quality of clinical trials. Certificates will be given upon completion of the training. Take the Training