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Social and Behavioral Research Branch

The Social and Behavioral Research Branch (SBRB) has the overarching and broad objective to investigate social and behavioral factors that facilitate the translation of genomic discoveries for health promotion, disease prevention, and health care improvements. This research encompasses four conceptual domains: (1) testing the effectiveness of strategies for communicating information about genetic risks; (2) developing and evaluating behavioral interventions; (3) using genomic discoveries in clinical practice; and (4) understanding the social, ethical, and policy implications of genomic research.

The specific research challenges being investigated by SBRB scientists include improving methods of communication about genetic risk to lay populations, establishing best practices in genetic counseling, investigating approaches for successfully integrating genetics into primary care settings, and studying broad issues relating to the appropriate public dissemination of genomic discoveries. SBRB investigators also are detailing the bioethical considerations for the involvement of human subjects in genomic research.

Available Postdoctoral Positions

• Postdoctoral Fellowship: Social and Behavioral Research in Genomics
  Deadline: Until Filled
  
  

Inaugural Forum

• Applied Social & Behavioral Research in the Era of Genomic Medicine: Agenda and Webcast
  Inaugural Forum of NHGRI's Social and Behavioral Research Branch

Senior Investigators

Colleen McBride, Ph.D.
Branch Chief
Head, Public Health Genomics Section

Investigators

Kimberly A. Kaphingst, Sc.D.
Head, Communication Research Section

Laura M. Koehly, Ph.D.
Head, Social Network Methods Section

Associate Investigators

Barbara Bowles Biesecker, M.S.
Head, Genetic Services Research Unit
Director, JHU/NHGRI Genetic Counseling Training Program

Vence L Bonham, Jr., J.D.
Public Health Genomics Section
Chief, Education and Community Involvement Branch

Donald W. Hadley, M.S., C.G.C.
Public Health Genomics Section
Associate Director, Office of Clinical Liaison, Office of the Clinical Director

Training and Career Development Resources

• Department of Clinical Bioethics Fellowship Program [bioethics.nih.gov]
• Medical Genetics Residency and Fellowship Training Programs
• Johns Hopkins University/National Human Genome Research Institute Genetic Counseling Training Program

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Last Updated: September 4, 2008