Strategic Planning Process

NIAAA’s strategic planning process considers the long-term priorities of the field while remaining flexible to adapt to emerging public health needs and scientific opportunities. It also considers a dynamic balance of basic, translational, and clinical research relevant to NIAAA’s broad mission. Although NIAAA engages in formal strategic planning, the institute continually assesses and refines priorities as the science and public health landscape evolves.

To initiate its strategic planning process, NIAAA formed a strategic plan working group comprising staff from the NIAAA Office of Science Policy and Communications in 2020. This group convened meetings with NIAAA leadership and all NIAAA offices and divisions to develop an overall framework for the new strategic plan. Additionally, two listening sessions were held with extramural and intramural staff to provide input on the process and utility of the strategic plan. These sessions were followed by meetings with each NIAAA research division, which was asked to identify research needs and opportunities related to its scientific areas. Their feedback, with input from NIAAA leadership, formed the basis of an outline representing the draft strategic plan framework.

A request for information (RFI) inviting public comment on the draft framework was issued in 2021. RFI responses were received from researchers, advocacy groups, professional societies, and others. The results were summarized in a report to the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in September 2021. The outline was refined based on the RFI feedback and Council input and was followed by writing of the strategic plan in consultation with NIAAA leadership, offices, and research divisions.

The final NIAAA Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2024–2028 represents a collaborative effort of NIAAA leadership, NIAAA staff across the institute, and the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Strategic Plan Implementation and Monitoring

Over the next five years, NIAAA will monitor progress on its goals and research priorities. NIAAA’s ability to pursue its research goals and priorities is supported by its commitment to building a robust research capacity and serving as a responsible steward of the public’s investment. This strategic plan is a living document that is responsive to public health challenges as well as to changes in the scientific landscape.