• Research Priority 1:
  Collaborative Science
• Research Priority 2:

• Research Priority 1:
  Collaborative Science
• Research Priority 2:

Operational Priority 1: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Values

OBSSR is committed to enhancing DEIA consistent with the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, both within the behavioral and social sciences and across health research at NIH, and to demonstrating this commitment with transparency and accountability.

Capacity Priority 1: BSSR Workforce Development

OBSSR recognizes the importance of developing the scientific talent and skills necessary to advance health-related BSSR. Training and capacity building are foundational to an effective BSSR workforce poised to address the complex research challenges of today and the future.

Research Priority 1: Collaborative Science

Improving health requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that integrates BSSR within the health research enterprise, creating an environment for synergistic scientific inquiry. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, critical BSSR questions emerged that can be generalized across health domains.

The OBSSR Strategic Plan is grounded in the principle of health equity. Health equity is achieved when everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. BSSR can contribute to health equity by identifying and addressing the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities and impede health and well-being for all people.

OBSSR will execute its strategic plan by bringing together key partners to identify gaps and opportunities in BSSR within the broader NIH research enterprise, particularly those not adequately addressed by individual NIH institutes and centers (ICs). We will continuously assess the plan’s implementation using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including portfolio analyses, systematic evaluation, and engagement in research policy. We will methodically measure and monitor the impact and progress of our initiatives against our strategic priorities.

OBSSR’s approach to priority setting involves engaging partners at various levels to gather feedback and ensure alignment with our mission and vision. This process emphasizes collaboration and transparency, incorporating diverse perspectives from a variety of partners. By fostering open dialogue with multiple internal and external groups, we can identify priorities that reflect the most pressing needs and opportunities within the BSSR arena.

OBSSR’s strategic plans align with our mission and vision to enhance behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) that improves health outcomes for all. Each plan highlights scientific priorities that reflect key research challenges OBSSR is uniquely positioned to address. Because BSSR provides valuable insights into human behavior—including how individuals and groups think, feel, behave, and interact—findings from BSSR can inform interventions and public health strategies to directly affect health outcomes.