Skip to main content

Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

Celebrating 75 Years! Learn More >>

Suicide Research

Suicide is a significant public health problem in the United States and globally. Formed in 2019, the Suicide Research Team (SRT) leads NIMH’s suicide research activities. The purpose of the team is to:

  • Coordinate outreach initiatives that engage key agencies and stakeholders supporting research
  • Collaborate on research efforts to help prevent suicide

The SRT work focuses on efforts that align with the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and is guided by the Prioritized Research Agenda for Suicide Prevention. The SRT works to meet the institute’s commitment to achieving the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention goal of reducing the suicide rate by 20% by 2025. The team considers trends in suicide rates, attempts, and ideation and works to address groups at increased risk.

The SRT develops suicide-related workshops, webinars, and funding opportunities to address suicide prevention research gaps that align with NIMH priorities. Topics range from suicide etiology to suicide risk trajectories and risk identification to implementing practical and scalable interventions in a variety of settings that serve at-risk populations. These settings include health care, education, and criminal justice systems among others.

Recent Meetings and Events

Featured Funding Opportunity Announcements

  • Service-Ready Tools for Identification, Prevention, and Treatment of Individuals at Risk for Suicide (SBIR/STTR) - expires June 16, 2022
  • Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) in Research on Risk and Prevention of Black Youth Suicide - expires July 31, 2022
  • Pilot Practice-Based Research for Primary Care Suicide Prevention
  • Social Disconnection and Suicide Risk in Late Life
  • Understanding Suicide Risk and Protective Factors among Black Youth
  • Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Administrative Supplements for NIMH Grants to Inform the Assessment of Suicide Thoughts and Behaviors among Children and Preteens
  • Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) in Reducing Suicide Risk in Young People Low- and Middle- Income Countries and Low-Resource Settings
  • Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Priority Research Opportunities in Crisis Response Services
  • Career Enhancement Award to Advance Research on Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention
  • Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research
  • Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Suicide Prevention Across the Life Span in Low- and Middle- Income Countries

Suicide News and Events


Science News

Find NIMH science news related to suicide and suicide prevention.


Meetings and Events

Discover NIMH workshops and scientific meetings related to suicide.

Additional Resources

Team Leads

Jane Pearson, Ph.D.
Special Advisor on Suicide Research to the NIMH Director
Email: jane.pearson@nih.gov
Phone: 301-443-3598