There’s a lot happening at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as they wrap up a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary. FABBS has been actively engaged in two significant initiatives: submitting comments on the NIMH 2024 strategic plan and a sign-on letter to the NIMH Director Search Committee.
FABBS underscores the central role of behavioral and cognitive sciences in understanding and addressing mental health. An Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) report emphasizes the importance of incorporating insights from behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) into decision-making processes at NIMH.
The strategic plan for research serves as NIMH’s tool to communicate institute priorities and provide direction for mental health research efforts funded by the institute. On July 24th, FABBS submitted feedback on the strategic plan urging NIMH to communicate how its portfolio integrates with other institutes to achieve the overarching goals of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This feedback addresses concerns from FABBS members whose research proposals fall between the gaps of institute research portfolios, such as youth mental health.
FABBS expressed gratitude for NIMH’s extensive work on the strategic plan and appreciated the opportunity to provide feedback. FABBS is grateful to our leadership and members who contributed to the comments and responded independently.
NIMH Director Search Committee
With Dr. Gordon stepping down as NIMH Director, FABBS along with 22 other societies and organizations sent a letter to the NIMH Director Search Committee. The letter highlighted the importance of selecting a Director who can leverage basic and applied behavioral and social sciences and neuroscience to develop effective interventions and build resilience.
The letter pointed out that improving mental health and treating mental disorders depend on understanding fundamental processes involved in perception, cognition, emotion, memory, and motivation. It also stressed the need for a Director with a strong understanding of how mental health challenges, ecological contexts, and social determinants of health contribute to a range of chronic health conditions. The undersigned organizations urged the committee to prioritize these considerations in their search.
Moving forward, FABBS will monitor the search for the new director and updates to the strategic plan.
