About ERPO

Everyone regardless of age, race, or economic status can be affected by injuries and violence. Injuries and violence are among the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States. While many may view injuries as inevitable or unavoidable, they are in fact predictable and preventable.

At CDC’s Injury Center, we translate science into effective programs and policies that prevent unintentional and violence-related injuries and that minimize the consequences of injuries when they occur. Research is fundamental to our success because thorough, accurate data are essential in making sound, smart investments. Research provides the knowledge that we need to understand what is possible, what is not, and the best way to proceed in our intervention efforts (CDC Research Priorities 2018pdf icon).

The role of the ERPO includes serving as the liaison between research award recipients and the Office of Grant Service in coordination with Division programs.  ERPO plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates extramural research activities of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and the National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. CDC is entrusted by the public to use research dollars where they will have the maximum impact on public health. Good management of research involves three key steps.

1. Identification of research priorities.
2. Translation of these priorities into a balanced portfolio of intramural and extramural research.
3. Evaluation of research programs and outcomes. In addition, a fourth step is implied, i.e. the incorporation of lessons learned from evaluation into future prioritization and research.

The Extramural Research Program Office develops, plans, coordinates, implements, monitors, and evaluates extramural research that is designed to address Center priorities.

(Please hover over each step in the life cycle for more information.)

• Develop Research Concept

  Reviews draft NOFO concept proposal and works with division ADS to discuss any substantive issues with the concept document.

• Develop and Publish NOFO Drafts NOFO based on approved research concept; oversees NOFO review and facilitates publication of approved NOFO's.
• Eligibility and Responsiveness Review Conducts responsiveness review in collaboration with Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Primary Peer Review Conducts all work, functions, and activities to peer review extramural research applications for scientific and technical merit in accordance with applicable federal regulations and policies.
• Secondary Review Conducts all work, functions, and activities to peer review extramural research applications for programmatic priorities and relevancy with applicable federal regulations and policies.
• Directors Review/Funding Decision Coordinates center director’s review and collaborates with division ADS to prepare and present program priorities and recommendations to centers’ directors’ for funding consideration.
• Execute and Administer New Awards Manages funded extramural research to ensure satisfactory progress toward achieving research aims, objectives, and compliance with policy for receipt and use of federal funds.
• Track and Evaluate Outcomes Collaborates with internal and external partners to provide information on award progress and research outcomes.
   
  Assesses alignment of research outcomes and findings with research priorities.
• Translate and Disseminate Outcomes Facilitates awardee activities for disseminating research outcomes and translating research to practice.
• Research Agenda Input Participates with divisions and offices within the center to establish research priorities for the center.