Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) funds projects to enhance the impact of health-related BSSR: identifies gaps and opportunities for BSSR; integrates BSSR within the larger NIH research enterprise; develops and coordinates BSSR initiatives with relevant partners; communicates significant BSSR findings within NIH and beyond.
Furthermore, OBSSR's authorizing language includes the following goals: §283c.(2) Research authorized under paragraph (1) includes research on teen pregnancy, infant mortality, violent behavior, suicide, and homelessness. Such research does not include neurobiological research, or research in which the behavior of an organism is observed for the purpose of determining activity at the cellular or molecular level.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Unrestricted by Entity Type
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Competitive peer reviewed applications are reviewed for scientific and technical merit by a scientific review group; and for program relevance by a national advisory council/board. Applications are reviewed for merit and relevance by NIH scientific staff.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Program details & compliance
Description
OBSSR’s program funds projects and activities which seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and apply that knowledge to optimize health and prevent or reduce illness for all people. 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.
These programs are unique because they are projects of behavioral and social sciences research that should be conducted or supported by the national research institutes, and develop such projects in cooperation with such institutes. They can often be disease agnostic, but seek to advance the field and discoveries which could improve human health.
Mission Categories
Primary: General Health and Medical
Required Documentation
Applications must be submitted in compliance with instructions provided with each initiative. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular A-87. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles.
2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements