NIOSH Centers of Excellence for Total Worker Health® (U19)

PURPOSE
NIOSH intends to support the Centers of Excellence in Total Worker Health® (TWH). These Centers will conduct rigorous research and translation activities to prevent harmful exposures, improve working conditions, and advance worker well-being. The Centers will develop practical, scalable solutions for employers and workers. All projects must use the NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (WellBQ) and share data with the HERO Worker Well-Being Clearinghouse. Large Research Projects require economic evaluation. 

PRIORITY AREAS
• High-risk occupations: First responders, vehicle mechanics, and technicians, with emphasis on occupational exposures, related health risks, and prevention strategies
• Young workers, SMEs 
• Chronic disease
• Mental health, stress
• Substance use disorder
• Artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies

This is a multi-component NOFO.

COMPONENT STRUCTURE
Percentages indicate maximum share of total budget.

Overall Component (Required)
Provides Center leadership and integration. Applicants should show strong coordination, scientific direction, and alignment across projects.

Administration, Evaluation, and Emerging Issues Core (Required; up to 15%)
Supports management and Center-wide evaluation. Applicants should describe oversight, data governance, and quality assurance.Optional activities include emerging issues and shared research resources.

Outreach, Dissemination, and Impact Core (Required; up to 15%)
Supports communication, worker/employer engagement, training, translation, implementation, and dissemination strategies.

Research Projects (Required; about 60 to 70%)
Includes all research activities. Applicants may propose a mix of projects. Research project distinctions are based on scope and complexity rather than cost. Projects should demonstrate scientific rigor and potential for sustained impact.

• Small Research Projects (Required; at least one project; up to 3 years)
  Exploratory, feasibility, early-stage intervention, surveillance, or measurement studies.
  Priority areas: high-risk occupations, young workers, SMEs.
  Should show innovation and potential to expand. 
• Large Research Projects (Required; at least one project; up to 5 years)
  Multiyear etiologic, mechanistic, intervention, or translational studies.
  Priority areas: chronic disease, mental health, substance use disorder. 
  Economic evaluation is required. Projects should include strong design and analytic plans. 
• Pilot/Feasibility Program (Optional; 12–18 months) 
  Short-term studies generating preliminary data or testing AI/digital technology approaches.