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NIDA Home > About NIDA > Organization > OSPC

Office of Science Policy and Communications (OSPC)



What We Do


The Office of Science Policy and Communications (OSPC) carries out a wide variety of functions in support of the Director, NIDA, and on behalf of the Institute. We're made up of the Office of the Director and two branches, the Science Policy Branch and the Public Information and Liaison Branch.


Office of the Director


The Office of the Director provides leadership, direction and oversight for activities in OSPC:

  • coordinates science policy and program development initiatives
  • performs planning and evaluation tasks
  • provides logistical support for scientific meetings, workshops and other forums
  • conducts analyses of NIDA's research grant portfolio
  • coordinates the development and maintenance of the NIDA Home Page
  • responds to Freedom of Information Act requests



Science Policy Branch (SPB)


The Science Policy Branch provides scientific leadership and advice on a wide range of drug abuse research and policy issues:

  • develops and implements science policy and program development initiatives
  • monitors Congressional affairs, provides legislative analyses, and develops Congressional testimony
  • directs constituent relations with scientific, professional, and community-based organizations with an interest in drug abuse research and related issues
  • coordinates NIDA's activities related to the National Drug Control Strategy
  • coordinates NIDA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs
  • serves as OMB Clearance Office for NIDA-sponsored data collections
  • oversees the development of NIDA's strategic plans which reflect the Institute's scientific and programmatic priorities
  • identifies science policy issues and prepares analyses and briefing materials
  • conducts a science education program to provide educators with tools that can be used to effectively interest students in science and increase adult science literacy
  • coordinates NIDA's research training program, which focuses on increasing the pool of students interested in drug abuse and addiction-related research
  • coordinates animal welfare-related activities
  • coordinates NIDA's science meeting program



Public Information and Liaison Branch (PILB)


The Public Information and Liaison Branch is responsible for NIDA's information dissemination activities:

  • initiates and monitors press relations activities
  • responds to information inquiries from the public (information@nida.nih.gov)
  • conducts public education and media campaigns
  • designs, develops, and clears publications, develops editorial policy, and develops and implements dissemination plans
  • coordinates NIDA's exhibits program
  • provides graphics support services
  • publishes NIDA NOTES, a bimonthly newsletter about NIDA-supported research activities

OSPC Staff Information


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National Institutes of Health logo_Department of Health and Human Services Logo The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Questions? See our Contact Information. Last updated on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. The U.S. government's official web portal