TRAINING GRANTS

Inputs: National Research Agenda (NORA)

The National Occupational Research Agenda is a partnership program to stimulate innovative research and improved workplace practices. Unveiled in 1996, NORA has become a framework for occupational safety and health research in the nation. Diverse parties collaborate to identify the most critical issues in workplace safety and health. Partners then work together to develop goals, objectives and an implementation plan for addressing these needs.

Stakeholder Comments

Many stakeholders submitted comments in 2005 and 2006 outlining their top issues. The stakeholder comments can be searched, viewed and printed. These comments comprise one of the inputs considered by the NORA Sector Councils when drafting their strategic plans for the nation.

NORA Sector Councils

NORA Sector Councils develop and maintain sector-specific research agendas. In addition, a Cross-Sector Council coordinates priorities that affect multiple sectors and groups of workers. Representing all stakeholders, the councils use an open process to set goals, develop strategies, encourage partnerships, and promote improved workplace practices.

The ERCs and TPGs represent a variety of strengths and approaches necessary to promote high quality research in occupational safety and health, and are a major vehicle for developing future leaders in occupational safety and health research. The ERCs are structured to foster development of interdisciplinary research skills that are needed to effectively address NORA. ERCs and TPGs also serve as critical links in helping OSH professionals and others translate research findings into interventions that prevent illness and injury in the workplace. The ERC and TPG training and research training projects are also intended to provide practical training opportunities and thus include trainee(s) participation in the projects.