Oregon Research Institute

Advancing science.

Enhancing lives.

Oregon Research Institute

Advancing science.

Enhancing lives.

Oregon Research Institute

Advancing science.

Enhancing lives.

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

Diversity Supplement Awarded

ORI associate scientist Vincent Chirimwami, Ph.D., has been awarded a two-year NIMH Diversity Supplement which will fund his work on the currently funded Preventing Adult Mental Health Problems from Early Childhood in the Contexts of Genetic Susceptibility, Poverty, Racism, and the COVID-19 Pandemic. This  study, being led by Erika Westling, Ph.D.,  is a continuation of an 18 -year longitudinal prevention trial of diverse low-income families from three geographic areas across the United States.

Chirimwami and colleagues are analyzing how specific aspects of growing up in poverty may exacerbate or ameliorate mental health symptomatology such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The training Dr. Chirimwami will receive as part of this diversity supplement will accelerate his transition to an independent research scientist including expanding his expertise in childhood poverty and his work with underserved communities.

 

NEWS & EVENTS

 

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.

Learn More

ORI scientists comment on the need for evidence-based drug prevention programs in new report

In a recent Lund Report article ORI senior scientist Anthony Biglan, Ph.D., and ORI research scientist and UO researcher Mark Van Ryzin, Ph.D., comment on the importance of evidence-based youth drug prevention programs. According to the article, youth substance use prevention programs often lack scientific support and can be little more than a chapter in a textbook. The article is part of an investigative series called Unsupported: Addiction Prevention in Oregon Classrooms. The series is produced by The Lund Report, UO Catalyst Journalism Project & Oregon Public Broadcasting.

 

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS

Proficiency With Number Concepts and Operations: Replicating the Efficacy of a First-Grade Mathematics Intervention

Doabler CT, Clarke B, Turtura JE, Sutherland M, Gersib JA, Lesner T, Cook M, Kimmel GL, Smolkowski K, Kosty D. Proficiency With Number Concepts and Operations: Replicating the Efficacy of a First-Grade Mathematics Intervention. J Learn Disabil. 2023 Nov 28:222194231209017. doi: 10.1177/00222194231209017. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38014809.

ABSTRACT 

Brief Interventions for Cannabis Using Adolescents

Winters KC, Waldron H, Hops H, Ozechowski T, Montano A. Brief Interventions for Cannabis Using Adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2023 Jan;32(1):127-140. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.06.004. PMID: 36410899.

ABSTRACT 

School Discipline Referrals for Substance Use Increased in Oregon Middle Schools after Legalization of Recreational Marijuana

Cil, Gulcan, PhD; Winters, Ken C, PhD; Austin, Sean C, PhD; Kittelman, Angus, PhD; Smolkowski, Keith, Ph.D.; Westling, Erika, PhD, and Seeley, John R. (2023). Legalization and Retail Availability of Recreational Marijuana and Adolescent Use in Schools. Health Economics, October 6, 2023; online ahead of print. 

ABSTRACT OR FULL TEXT  

Virtual Cognitively Enhanced Tai Chi Program Improves Cognition and Executive Function in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment 

Li, Fuzhong, PhD; Harmer, Peter, PhD; MPH; Eckstrom, Elizabeth, MD, MPH; Fitzgerald, Kathleen, MD, and Winters-Stone, Kerri, PhD (2023). Ji Quan Training on Global Cognition and Dual-Task Performance During Walking in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Self-Reported Memory Concerns: A Randomized Control Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, October 31, 2023. 

ABSTRACT OR FULL TEXT