Contact: Fred Blosser (202) 245-0645
August 23, 2007

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) today announced the winners of the FY 2008 Intramural National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) competition. Demonstrating a high level of scientific merit and a focus on translating research into practice, awards were given to 18 projects in diverse areas covering some of the many priority needs in each of the NORA sectors.

The selected projects are conducted internally by NIOSH. They were chosen competitively from a larger array of internal projects for which NIOSH researchers applied for NORA funding. The final selections were made following peer review by experts from outside NIOSH.

The approved projects are expected to make substantial contributions to workplace safety and health. Some focus on the highest priority occupational safety and health issues as determined by surveillance information and the ongoing work of the NORA Sector Councils to draft strategic plans for the nation, such as deaths due to falls, trench cave-ins and tractor roll-overs. Others will develop additional needed surveillance information or will close knowledge gaps in emerging issues, such as long-term exposure to low-level radiation and exposure to new nanoparticles.

“This year’s proposals demonstrate our researchers’ ability to focus on priority topics, work with partners, and meet high standards of scientific excellence,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D.

All project proposals were received by March 1, 2007, as a result of a June 17, 2006, solicitation. Thirty-eight project proposals were peer reviewed by experts in three panels. The NORA Secondary Review Committee reviewed the external peer review results, input from NIOSH laboratories and divisions and from NIOSH program leaders, and made funding recommendations based on this information.

The list of approved projects follows. For further information about NIOSH research and recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths, visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh. Further information about NORA is available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora/.