2020 Co-Funding Activities
2020 Co-Funding Activities
NIH Launches UNITE Initiative to Address Structural Racism in Biomedical Research
The NIH launched the UNITE initiative to end structural racism and racial inequities in the health research enterprise.
NIH Releases Report Summarizing Research on Vaccine Communication
This report, which was developed in consultation with leading experts in social and behavioral sciences and public health, outlines evidence-informed communication strategies in support of national COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts across federal agencies and their state and local partners. The report builds on four foundational principles (coordinated and consistent messaging, building trust, consideration of health literacy, and prioritizing equity) to offer concrete recommendations for targeted and tailored communication.
Expanding the Role of the Behavioral and Social Sciences in Population Health: OBSSR 2011–2014
As we celebrate 25 years of the OBSSR, we have asked the former Directors to reflect on their time at the OBSSR. This guest blog was authored by the OBSSR’s fourth Director, Robert Kaplan, Ph.D.
The NIH Strategic Planning Committee: Contributions of Social and Behavioral Research in Addressing the Opioid Crisis (CSBR-AOC)
The CSBR-AOC is a NIH-wide committee charged with identifying resources, goals, potential areas for further development, activities, and other strategies to identify opportunities for the behavioral and social sciences to contribute to the broader NIH mission to combat the opioid and pain crises.
COVID-19 Initiatives
Many of the strategies to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, include social and behavioral interventions like handwashing, social distancing, paid sick leave, and risk communication. These measures significantly impact not only disease transmission but also the economy, social life, and other health conditions, such as mental health, substance use, and stress.
NIH-wide Pain and Opioid Initiatives
The OBSSR is playing a significant role in the Helping to End Addiction Long-term℠ Initiative, or HEAL Initiative℠, a trans-agency effort focused on improving prevention and treatment strategies for opioid misuse and addiction, and enhancing pain management.
NIH Behavioral and Social Science COVID-19 Research Funding
NIH funded behavioral and social sciences-related COVID-19 research including survey item repositories DR2 and PhenX, supplemental funding to the NIH ICOs, SBE health impacts research, and the development of RADx-UP.
Coordination of NIH-wide Initiatives
OBSSR is involved in the coordination of a substantial number of NIH-wide initiatives. Some of these initiatives are led by OBSSR while others are led by an Institute, Center, or Office (ICO) with OBSSR facilitating coordination across ICs. Funding Opportunity Announcements that NIH leads or participates in are recent examples of this coordination.
Expanding the Reach and Impact of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research: OBSSR 2005–2008
As we celebrate 25 years of the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), we have asked the former Directors to reflect on their time at the OBSSR. This guest blog was authored by OBSSR’s third Director, David Abrams, Ph.D.
