Whenever U.S. government agencies and nongovernmental organizations seek contributions from the scientific community, it's an opportunity for family scholars to champion the importance of Family Science research, and ensure that families are being recognized when there are important decisions being made in regard to the allocation of federal research funding. 

Definition of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research

Back in February, NCFR encouraged its members to weigh in on a revised definition of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (BSSR) used by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Following the input it received, NIH posted a final completed definition on its website.

In a message announcing the revision, NIH stated that "some suggestions, although not reflected in the BSSR definition, will be used to for future blog post topics to share in-depth discussion of the areas of science that are included in the BSSR at NIH." Thank you to all NCFR members who responded.

Two New Opportunities to Provide Input

• What noteworthy advances in health would not have been possible without the behavioral and social sciences? NIH is seeking answers to this question from the social science community as part of a new project as described in a blog post on their website. All are invited to contribute an idea or vote on the best submissions. These achievements do not need to have been funded by NIH or represent recent advances. Ideas may be submitted through a crowdsourcing platform through July 31, 2019.

• The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released a call for white papers from the social science community on the first phase of a decadal survey focused on reducing the burden of Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias. Individuals and organizations, especially those in the fields of Family Science and gerontology, are encouraged to submit. Submissions are due June 15, 2019. More information and submission guidelines.