Ethicists—people trained in the theory and practice of moral reasoning—are sometimes viewed as a sort of “advice columnist” for those seeking guidance on serious matters. When, if ever, am I allowed to lie? Should I allow my children to participate in sports with a higher risk of head injuries? Should I pursue chemotherapy for my elderly dog?

Basic behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) is a cornerstone of OBSSR’s work at NIH. OBSSR leads ongoing coordination and collaboration activities in basic BSSR. In her latest Director’s Spotlight, Dr. Simoni shares her thoughts on basic BSSR priorities and efforts and BSSR integration at NIH.

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.

Since its inception, OBSSR has been a leader in advancing behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), championing science that improves health outcomes and reduces disparities. This year was no exception.

I vividly remember attending my first scientific conference as a graduate student. A $150 travel award enabled me to book a discounted flight and hotel room, and a generous senior colleague gave me a ticket to the opening night gala! Gaining access to the field’s leaders, hearing cutting-edge talks, and connecting with fellow graduate students during poster sessions energized my commitment to research.

I’m proud to introduce the OBSSR Strategic Plan 2025–2029—OBSSR’s fourth strategic plan and my first as OBSSR Director. This update reflects a systematic 3-year planning process of assessing accomplishments, evaluating future directions, and collecting input from the research community, NIH staff, and federal and community partners.

We all know it is easier to experiment with a new behavior than it is to develop a regular practice or a life-long habit. I have experienced this for myself, being unable to consistently engage in mindfulness meditation or curb my sweet tooth!

In 2016, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a policy establishing an expectation that all NIH-funded investigators and staff involved in conducting, overseeing, or managing clinical trials should be trained in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and should refresh their training at least every three years. The purpose of GCP is to ensure the safety, integrity, and quality of clinical trials.

Delivering effective policies and programs that benefit all Americans means using every tool at our disposal. Specifically, integrating social and behavioral sciences is critical for federal policies and programs to achieve their intended outcomes.