The driving force behind NIAMS-funded research is to improve the lives of those who are affected by diseases and conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. NIAMS is committed to communicating timely and relevant research advances to those communities interested in and impacted by diseases and conditions within the NIAMS portfolio, the media, the biomedical community, and voluntary and professional health organizations using a variety of accessible formats and platforms. The institute also collaborates with these partners to design and deliver health and research information to interested communities.
Strategy 10.1: Disseminating Information
NIAMS is dedicated to ensuring that high-quality health information and resources are available to the public. To that end, NIAMS information specialists provide real-time responses via phone and email to connect inquirers with tailored information about diseases and conditions within the NIAMS portfolio. Additionally, NIAMS creates and disseminates a variety of materials for various audiences, including the following:
- For patients and caregivers, NIAMS provides health information in multiple languages. These health topics are regularly updated to ensure accuracy and consistency with the latest science and input from subject matter experts. NIAMS also offers the Living With series of booklets, which provide general information and self-care tools for people with back pain, SLE, and arthritis.
- For the media, community partners, and policymakers, the NIAMS Newsroom serves as a hub for important announcements and highlights about NIAMS research advances, funding opportunities, and events. The Newsroom features Spotlights on Research, which are short articles that present complex health research in plain language. NIAMS also regularly publishes Director’s Letters, a forum for the NIAMS Director to communicate directly about NIAMS initiatives, activities, and funding opportunities.
- For the scientific community, the institute highlights NIAMS-funded research, funding opportunities, and other items of interest in a variety of formats. Scientific Advances highlight select published NIAMS IRP studies that cover a vast range of diseases within the NIAMS mission. In addition, a video series highlights the institute’s core facilities, which provide state-of-the-art instruments and technologies to support and assist NIAMS labs and other NIH researchers.
As noted under the Using Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), and Computational Biology to Advance Knowledge and Treatments priority, NIAMS also directed the development of the ARK Portal—which houses datasets generated by research teams focused on arthritis, autoimmune, skin, and related diseases. The institute conducts outreach to researchers to highlight available data from ARK and other resources such as the MoTrPAC data hub featured under the Understanding Behaviors and Environmental Exposures That Promote Health or Cause Disease priority.
The institute uses multiple channels to disseminate information, ensuring broad outreach to diverse populations to improve health for all. The NIAMS website serves as the central hub for health and research information for patients, allied health professionals, voluntary and professional organizations, underserved populations and groups who are at risk for arthritis or musculoskeletal or skin diseases, the media, and the general public. Additionally, the website provides critical information and resources for researchers, including training and funding opportunities, information about clinical trials, and scientific news.
NIAMS also leverages social media channels, including X (@NIH_NIAMS), Facebook (NIH.NIAMS), and LinkedIn, to share health information, recently published research articles, news and announcements, training and funding opportunities, and other information. NIAMS also posts videos on its YouTube channel and maintains the NIAMS Multimedia Library, which provides free access to scientific images, as well as images of institute activities and events. NIAMS will continue to evaluate efforts to reach more constituents through established and potentially new social media channels and will explore new digital and multimedia formats to increase engagement with diverse audiences.
Sign Up for NIAMS E-Newsletters
NIAMS maintains robust subscription-based newsletters:
- The NIAMS Update is a comprehensive digest for those interested in the latest scientific news and resources on diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. The NIAMS Update is published every other month.
- NIAMS Funding News provides monthly updates on funding opportunities and other resources. Subscribers also receive NIAMS Funding Alerts, which feature high-priority funding announcements as they become available.
Other Resources on the NIAMS Website
- NIAMS Current Funding Opportunities links to the institute’s current funding opportunities.
- Clinical Research @ NIAMS highlights current clinical trials conducted by the NIAMS IRP.
Strategy 10.2: Conducting Outreach and Engagement Activities
The institute is dedicated to engaging with the public and encouraging broad participation and input into NIAMS and NIH activities. Plans in this area include:
- Increasing the visibility of NIAMS as a leading resource for information on diseases and conditions of bones, joints, muscles, and skin.
- Expanding awareness among scientists and students about career and training opportunities in NIAMS mission areas.
The institute engages with the NIAMS Coalition to share research advances and related developments, as well as to foster dialogue on future paths and directions of NIAMS-funded research. The Coalition is an independent consortium of nearly 100 professional and voluntary organizations that works to raise awareness about NIAMS research. The Coalition plays a vital role as a voice of the researchers and patients whom NIAMS serves. The institute will continue to engage with Coalition partners through its biennial NIAMS Coalition Outreach and Education Meeting, a day-long event designed to share the latest research advances and related developments. NIAMS will explore opportunities for further collaboration and will continue to support other Coalition meetings, events, and conferences.
NIAMS uses its Community Outreach Initiative to ensure that resources reach diverse populations to improve health for all. Activities include creating social media toolkits and producing other materials that are designed to help health care providers and community organizers in multicultural communities share health information and resources about diseases and conditions that affect bones, joints, muscles, and skin.
Looking ahead, NIAMS will continue to communicate the excitement and promise of science to patients, communities, and scientists. Additionally, NIAMS will continue to explore new ways of engaging with patient communities and the public to strengthen the studies that would ultimately benefit them.