NEW YORK , Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Much of what is known about suicide comes from research funded by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Today, AFSP announced 34 new research grants totaling $7.6 million, bringing the organization’s total research investment in fiscal year 2025 to more than $30 million.
AFSP is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research in the United States and worldwide. The organization was founded when researchers came together with families who had lost loved ones to suicide. Research continues to inform all aspects of AFSP’s work, including awareness and education programs, national advocacy efforts, and support for survivors of loss.
“We are committed to funding novel, impactful, and rigorous research studies,” said Dr. Jill Harkavy Friedman, AFSP senior vice president for research. “By investing in the science of suicide, we will continue to discover tools and interventions that can save lives. Each researcher who dedicates their time to this research will improve their knowledge of suicide risks, interventions, and resources. It’s part of a growing movement to deepen.”
The 34 grants awarded this year are in the following areas: (1) neurobiology, (2) genetics, (3) psychosocial contributors, (4) clinical care, (5) loss survivors, and (6) We address six major suicide research areas of community intervention:
See the complete list of grants awarded here.
The areas explored by the latest grants include:
Developing better treatments for people at risk for suicide in primary care Investigating suicidal ideation and behavior in children over time Identifying cultural factors that influence suicidal ideation in people with unplanned pregnancies Mood disorders A Neurobiological Approach to Preventing Suicide in Individuals A New Way to Understand Black Youth’s Suicide Risk Experiences Examining the Role of Romantic Couple Dynamics in Suicidal Ideation Development and Utilization of Virtual Safety Training Rural Veteran Populations Safety training for evaluating the effectiveness of specific medications for suicide prevention in high-risk populations Research on suicidal ideation and alter egos – harmful behaviors after brain injury Understanding how sleep and suicidal ideation relate to the menstrual cycle consider
Research grants are primarily funded by small individual donations from participants in the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks. Grants are being awarded around the world, and many of the researchers receive further funding from the National Institute of Mental Health and other large funding agencies.
AFSP’s investments are guided by a Scientific Council of leading suicide prevention experts and the priorities set by the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
AFSP welcomes applications from all areas of suicide research and sets priorities to foster research in generally under-researched areas. Funding research that helps understand and prevent suicide in underrepresented communities is central to this effort. The organization is committed to mentoring and supporting up-and-coming researchers with a focus on these communities.
“Our organization’s priority is to develop young researchers who will be the future leaders of this important research,” said Dr. Harkaby Friedman.
In 2023, AFSP co-sponsored a Suicide Research Symposium. This symposium is a free virtual research conference where early-career researchers present alongside seasoned researchers. The organization will also co-sponsor the 2025 Suicide Research Symposium. AFSP also hosted its second mentoring immersion program for young researchers, bringing together young researchers and their mentors to revise grant applications.
For more information about suicide prevention research, visit afsp.org/research.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced loss. AFSP creates a culture of mental health wisdom through public education and community programs, advances suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support to those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia, headquartered in New York and with a public policy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local offices in all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, and programs and events across the country. Learn more about AFSP in our latest annual report and join the conversation about suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook. TwitterInstagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok.
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Source American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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