Distinguished Lecturer: Laura L. Carstensen, Ph.D.
Fairleigh S. Dickinson Jr. Professor in Public Policy and Professor of Psychology
Stanford University
Presentation: Cultural Characteristics: Longevity, Quality of Life, Social Change, and Social Support

Distinguished Lecturers:
Carol D. Ryff, Ph.D.
Hilldale Professor, Department of Psychology
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Priority One: Improve the Synergy of Basic and Applied Behavioral and Social Sciences Research.

OBSSR assigns staff members to work as liaison to many of the NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) that support research related to the behavioral and social sciences. These liaisons are not representatives or gatekeepers for the ICO. Their role is to work closely with the ICOs to understand how OBSSR can best serve their research mission and the needs of their respective scientific communities.

One of the charges from Congress when the OBSSR was created was “to coordinate research conducted and supported by the agencies of the National Institutes of Health.” The OBSSR coordinates the behavioral and social sciences among the NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs). This coordination prioritizes important research areas or initiatives that affect multiple ICs and would be challenging or inefficient for one or two ICs to address on their own.

Training Supported by the OBSSR

The OBSSR recognizes the importance of scientific stewardship, particularly in developing the scientific talent and skills needed to advance health-related behavioral and social sciences. With our NIH Institute and Center partners, the OBSSR supports a number of in-person training efforts. 

View training supported by the OBSSR.