Oregon Research Institute is an independent non-profit behavioral sciences research center dedicated to understanding human behavior and improving the quality of human life through the prevention and treatment of health, educational, and social problems.
ABOUT ORI
ORI was founded in 1960 as an independent behavioral research center. Research topics include addiction, depression, aging, physical health, and academic/social supports for children.
ENHANCING LIVES
ORI develops effective evidence-based programs to promote human health and wellbeing. Our work goes beyond research to provide practical solutions for societal problems.
JOIN OUR TEAM
ORI provides a dynamic, collegial community and dedicated admin support for post-docs, early career scientists, and seasoned researchers alike. Scientific careers thrive here.
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHTS
Study Evaluates Youth Personal Empowerment Program
About 30% of youth in the United States report moderate to frequent involvement in school bullying. Bullied and victimized children have significantly higher school absenteeism, underachieve academically compared to their peers, and are more at risk of school drop-out.
ORI researchers recently published results from an evaluation of the radKIDS® Youth Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program, a science-based, trauma-informed child victimization school prevention program. Evaluation participants included 148 radKIDS® instructors from 26 states. Study results, published in the Journal of Adolescent Trauma, informed program adaptations that will soon be rigorously evaluated in 40 elementary schools across four states.
Recruiting Subjects 65 and over for Exercise & Healthy Aging Project
ORI’s Exercise & Healthy Aging research team is conducting nationwide studies to evaluate the effects of different types of exercise (including tai chi) on functional health outcomes (e.g., balance, memory, incidence of falls, and flexibility). Participants will participate in free online exercise classes.
ORI scientist Margo Bastin, Ph.D. will deliver a keynote talk at the National Head Start Conference
ORI Associate Scientist Margot Bastin, Ph.D., will deliver a keynote talk during the Data and Research Luncheon at the National Head Start Conference in Portland, OR on April 17. Dr. Bastin is a researcher on the MomNet project at ORI. Mom-Net is an evidence-based online program designed to improve maternal depression and has been developed in partnership with Head Start programs.
Additionally, Influents Innovations CEO, David Smith, Ph.D. will present a session talk at the conference, in partnership with ORI Senior Scientist Edward Feil, Ph.D., on their work on the Be Ready To Smile program.
ORI mourns the loss of Daniel Kahneman
ORI mourns the loss of Daniel Kahneman, a renowned scholar who was the ‘grandfather of behavioral economics’. He passed away on March 27 at the age of 90. Kahneman and his close colleague Amos Tversky spent a memorable sabbatical year at ORI in 1971-1972.