OBSSR honors excellence in behavioral and social sciences research by designating a Distinguished Lecturer for their annual NIH Matilda White Riley Honors event. The selected Distinguished Lecturer will deliver a keynote address at the event.
Nominations are open for this year’s event, to be held on June 10. Nomination Deadline: February 10, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET.
Nomination Criteria:
Nominees should have a research career that has advanced behavioral and social sciences in areas within the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) mission and that expands on Dr. Riley’s work, including:
- An expanded conceptualization of health and well-being that includes effective cognitive, affective and social functioning, and quality of life
- Behavioral and social sciences research results that improve the lives of people and society
- Illumination of the complex and dynamic interplay among processes at multiple levels (e.g., interactions between genes and the built, natural, and social environment)
- Influence of social and behavioral factors on physical health and the utility of this knowledge for clinical practice and health policy
- A life course perspective on the development, health, and well-being of individuals and societies
- Research approaches that build theory and methods in the advancement of knowledge on health and well-being
In recognition of OBSSR’s 30th anniversary this year, special consideration will be given to nominees who demonstrate excellence in mentorship, reflecting Dr. Riley’s legacy.
Additional Information:
- Nominees are not required to have NIH funding.
- Self-nominations are welcome.
- Preference will be given to nominees who can attend the event in person.
- OBSSR is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in speaker selection and event programming.
Nomination Materials:
- Please email the following information as a PDF to Erica Spotts (erica.spotts@nih.gov) by 5:00 p.m. ET on February 10, 2025:
- Nominee’s contact information and professional webpage(s)
- A one-page statement describing how the nominee’s research results and practice correspond with Dr. Riley’s vision
- Nominee’s CV and/or NIH biosketch
For questions, contact:
Erica Spotts
Chair, NIH Matilda White Riley Lecture Selection Committee
erica.spotts@nih.gov