NCCIH Research Blog

Firearm and related violence, injury, and mortality remain urgent and significant public health crises in the United States. In 2021, more Americans died due to firearm-related injuries than motor vehicle accidents.¹ Racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately impacted, and firearm and related violence is a significant concern for other populations including women, sexual and gender minorities, and children. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is committed to supporting research to develop, evaluate, and implement effective public health interventions to better understand and prevent violence, including firearm violence, and the resulting trauma, injuries, and mortality. Over the last several years, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has been part of an NIH-wide effort related to violence research initiatives. Research on firearm and related violence aligns with several aspects of NCCIH’s strategic plan, including objectives focused on whole person health and health disparities.  

NCCIH is currently participating in several funding opportunities to support career development and intervention development and testing for firearm injury and mortality prevention research. The factors that contribute to firearm violence are complex and wide-ranging, suggesting the importance of multifaceted solutions and mitigation strategies. Given the role of psychosocial factors, NCCIH is particularly interested in programs to prevent firearm injury and mortality that incorporate complementary or integrative approaches with physical and/or psychological therapeutic inputs (often called mind and body interventions). We are also strongly interested in supporting career development for individuals interested in research on complementary or integrative approaches to strengthen the impact of firearm violence prevention efforts. Please read more about available funding opportunities below and consider applying!

Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research (NOT-OD-23-039)

This notice highlights NIH-wide interest in research to improve understanding of the determinants of firearm injury, identification of those at risk of firearm injury, development and testing of interventions, and implementation science of existing evidence-based interventions to prevent firearm injury and mortality. A variety of funding opportunities are available from different Institutes and Centers; application due dates vary.

Research on Community Level Interventions for Firearm and Related Violence, Injury and Mortality Prevention (CLIF-VP) (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) (PAR-23-066) 

This initiative will support a network of research projects to develop and test interventions at the community- or community organization–level that may prevent firearm and related violence, injury, and mortality. The UG3 phase is 1 to 2 years for planning and feasibility activities, while the UH3 phase is 3 to 4 years to implement a community-level intervention trial. Applications are due March 17, 2023.

Career Enhancement Award to Advance Research on Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention (K18)
Independent Clinical Trial Required (PAR-23-107)
Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed (PAR-23-108)

These two initiatives will support experienced investigators seeking to redirect or expand their research programs through the acquisition of new skills and knowledge around firearm mortality and injury prevention research, which is beyond and complementary to their current areas of expertise. Applications are due March 17, 2023.

¹https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/injury.htm