PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS I: Moving from large-scale research to public health impact: A conversation

Chair:

Leslie Leve, PhD, Alumni Faculty Professor, College of Education, Associate Vice President for Research, Associate Director, Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon

Presenters:

Matthew W. Gillman, MD, National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director, Director, Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program

Gail Taylor, MEd, National Prevention Network, Vice President for External Affairs, Behavioral Health Wellness Director, Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services, Commonwealth of Virginia

The field of prevention science has advanced in highly significant ways since its formal inception in the 1990’s. We now have a large body of interdisciplinary research on the etiology of a range of behavioral health problems, we have evidence from rigorous intervention trials about effective approaches to preventing behavioral health problems, and we have implementation science frameworks to help guide efforts to scale-up effective programs and practices to reach more individuals and communities. Recent advances in ‘big data’ research methods, the launch of a large national study on environmental influences on child health outcomes, and partnerships with on-the-ground prevention leaders hold promise for continuing to strengthen the prevention research-to-practice pipeline for the future. This Presidential Address will feature an overview of the state of science provided by these recent advances in prevention science, followed by a dialog about research to practice opportunities for the promotion of behavioral health in individuals nationwide. Dr. Matthew Gillman, Director of NIH’s Environment influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) initiative, will speak about the opportunities this study provides for improving children’s long-term health, and how genetic and other ‘big data’ methods can help move science and practice forward. Gail Taylor of the National Prevention Network and Director of Behavioral Health Wellness at Commonwealth of Virginia will speak about on the ground efforts in the prevention community to deliver effective prevention programs and services to those at risk for problems. Using an interview-style format, Dr. Leve will facilitate a discussion of specific challenges, opportunities, and strategies for integrating research and practice to improve the health and well-being of underserved communities and individuals.