Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Centers (T42)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is inviting applications for grant funding for Education and Research Centers (ERCs). These centers focus on the area of occupational safety and health training, as there is a statutory mandate for NIOSH to ensure there's a sufficient number of qualified personnel to fulfill the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

ERCs are important institutions that offer a range of training, research, and outreach programs. They are primarily based in universities, offering high-quality interdisciplinary post-graduate and graduate training in areas such as occupational medicine, occupational health nursing, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety. Other related disciplines are also covered.

Research plays a crucial role in ERCs. NIOSH trainees and faculty at ERCs conduct research related to the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) and emerging issues to advance the occupational safety and health field.

The ERCs have a regional presence and strive to diversify the occupational safety and health profession through instilling core values, developing mission statements, and producing beneficial outputs.

ERCs function as valuable resources for the nation’s workforce. They offer continuing education and outreach, and they make strong efforts to collaborate with professional associations, businesses, worker advocacy groups, industries, and public health agencies. Additionally, ERCs cooperate with Minority Serving Institutions and other training programs supported by NIOSH to have a significant and positive impact on worker health, safety, and overall well-being.