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One goal of the NCRG research program is to cultivate the next generation of researchers in the field of gambling disorders and responsible gaming. The NCRG is committed to giving the best and brightest young investigators an opportunity to gain funding, which is one of the reasons why we brought together 20 young investigators for the March workshop in Chicago, Ill. Another way that we’re supporting young researchers is with theEarly Stage Investigatorgrant category of ourProject Grants Program. Some grantees includeIris Balodis, Ph.D., from Yale University, andHeather Gray, Ph.D., from the Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance, a division of Harvard Medical School.

The 2013 deadline to apply for an Early Stage Investigator Grant is quickly approaching, so if you have an idea for a research project in this category, be sure to submit your application by Wednesday, May 1.

Eligible applicants must be within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree or within 10 years of completing medical residency. Applicants may request up to $65,000 per year in direct costs for a period not to exceed 24 months.

Applications for this award must propose a research plan that has:

1. intrinsic research importance in the area of prevention and treatment of gambling disorders; and
2. will serve as a suitable vehicle for learning the methodology, theories and concepts needed for a well-trained, independent researcher in the area of gambling research.

For more information on the NCRG Project Grants Program, including the Early Stage Investigator Grants Program, clickhere. If you are a young investigator and have questions about this opportunity, contact Christine Reilly, the NCRG’s senior research director, atcreilly@ncrg.orgor 978-338-6610.

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Changes in health care policies and mental health diagnostic codes are driving a larger conversation about what recovery and prevention should include for those with addictive disorders. From the Affordable Care Act to the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5, these changes impact how researchers study gambling disorders, how the industry builds responsible gaming programs to educate their patrons, and how clinicians relate to their clients.

In less than six months, stakeholders in the field of gambling disorders and responsible gaming will come together at the14th annual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addictionto discuss what these changes in the mental health space mean for communities. This year, the conference will take place Sept. 22-24, 2013 at The Sands Expo and Convention Center at the Venetian Las Vegas.

The 2013 NCRG Conference will examine these issues by discussing the latest and most relevant research on gambling disorders, co-occurring disorders and responsible gaming. Conference sessions will examine how the Affordable Care Act and DSM-5 will impact treatment options, the effectiveness of evidence-based self-help recovery resources, the neurobiology of gambling disorders and the effectiveness of responsible gaming programs — both in person and online.

Visitwww.ncrg.org/conferencefor registration information, the schedule, speakers, and CEU approvals. Register online at www.ncrg.org/conference or find combined rates with the full slate of G2E offerings atwww.globalgamingexpo.com. As always, you can receive up-to-date information on the Conference by subscribing toGambling Disorders 360°and connecting with the NCRG onFacebookandTwitter.

What is your favorite part about the NCRG Conference? What are you interested in learning about this year?

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The following is a guest post from Bethany Bray, Ph.D., a visiting faculty associate at The Methodology Center of Penn State University. Dr. Bray is a member of the NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction’s Advisory Board, and recently attended the NCRG’s workshop for early stage investigators as a part of the 2013 Annual Education Summit.

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Last week, the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) hosted a workshop for early-career scientists on grant and manuscript writing as part of the2013 Annual Education Summit. The workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for young investigators to network with established researchers who focus on gambling disorders and other addictions. The speakers provided advice on submitting grants to theNational Institutes of Health(NIH) and theNCRG, as well as tips on how to strategize which journals to send manuscript submissions. This event was a critical investment in the future of gambling disorder research; it established a supportive community and mentoring network for young investigators interested in researching an incredibly understudied area.

Whether an early-career scientist is on the tenure track or not, there are two primary markers of success: receiving grant funding and publishing peer-reviewed articles. For those of us interested in gambling, it can be difficult to achieve these goals for a variety of reasons. First, gambling disorders currently is not a priority area for the largest funder of public health research,NIH. Second, the field is small and it can be difficult to find collaborators and more senior researchers who can be mentors. The NCRG’s workshop brought a few of the biggest names in gambling disorders research to meet with more than 20 young investigators.Mr. Alan Feldman,Dr. Jon Grant,Dr. Ken WintersandDr. Tammy Chungprovided valuable advice and feedback on grant and manuscript submissions that will help early-career scientists transform their ideas into important scientific products.

The goals of the workshop were straightforward: (1) understand grant writing best practices, (2) discover innovative approaches to gambling research, and (3) build collaborations. The mentors helped us learn about NCRG grant opportunities like theEarly Stage Investigator Grantthat can be used to fund our work and establish ourselves as leading scientists in gambling and addiction research. We also learned about the ongoing work of all of the presenters, as well as work being done at theCenters of Excellence in Gambling Researchheaded by Dr. Grant andDr. Marc Potenza. Excitingly, some of us even connected and have plans to pursue work together;Dr. Serena KingandIare already moving forward on a project together.

Several key principles for young investigators emerged from our time together. First, as Dr. Winters stressed, you must bePERSISTENTandFLEXIBLEwhen crafting your grant proposals. Second, you should take theINITIATIVEin seeking out mentoring and guidance, as well as in pursuing your research agenda. Third, as Dr. Chung emphasized,FIND A STRATEGYthat helps you maintain your motivation and momentum for writing. Fourth, as Mr. Feldman reminded, always keep in mind thePEOPLEyou are trying to help at the end of this long road of research.

Workshops like this one for early-stage investigators are essential to the success of the field of gambling disorders. Together, we are building a strong community young investigators can rely upon to support each other when we hit bumps in the road. Connections made among members of the research community and other key stakeholders in the field are essential to the future of research in this area. I hope that the NCRG will continue to offer workshops like this one to young investigators!

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This week, the NCRG will be visiting Chicago for the 2013 Annual Education Summit! Each year, the NCRG conducts an Annual Education Summit in a different city to share information about the latest research on gambling disorders and make key stakeholders aware of the science-based programs and resources the NCRG has to offer. During the Annual Education Summit, the NCRG reaches out to a variety of stakeholders in gaming jurisdictions, including the casino industry, public policymakers, treatment providers, mental health professionals, regulators, scientists, university administrators and the general public.

The NCRG recognizes the importance of investing in the research and public health community by funding groundbreaking studies and advancing public education about gambling disorders and responsible gaming.

Chicago is an ideal place to make this investment. While in Chicago, the NCRG will connect with a large number of key stakeholders, share the latest research and trends related to this issue, and inform them of the NCRG’s science-based programs and resources.

For this year’s Annual Education Summit, the NCRG will be holding two events:

• In conjunction with the University of Chicago, the NCRG will host a symposium, titled “Investing in Research, Responsible Gaming and the Community,” on March 14 from noon – 2 p.m. During the event, we will officially announce the NCRG Center of Excellence in Gambling Research to the University of Chicago and Yale University. The NCRG will also celebrate local and national partnerships that are making a significant impact on the public health for the state of Illinois. This event will be led by NCRG ChairmanAlan Feldman, and will feature presentations fromDr. Jon Grant,Dr. Ken WintersandMargo Bristow from the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling. This event is open to the public. If you are in the Chicago area and are interested in attending the symposium, contact Amy Kugler atakugler@ncrg.org.

• The NCRG will also host an invite-only workshop for new investigators to learn about effective grant writing, the NCRG’s grant categories, National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunities and strategies and tips for publishing research. The workshop will be held March 15 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the University of Chicago and will feature presentations from Dr. Ken Winters,Dr. Tammy Chung, Dr. Jon Grant andChristine Reilly.

Next week, we’ll post a recap of our trip to Chicago. In the meantime, connect with us onFacebookandTwitter(#AES2013) for real-time updates about these events!

Where should the NCRG visit for the 2014 Annual Education Summit? Please leave your suggestions in the comments box below.

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Last week, theNCRGandAGAreleased the winter 2013 edition ofResponsible Gaming Quarterly. While developing this edition of RGQ, we had the opportunity to learn more about a communitywide partnership effort in Toledo, Ohio, to increase awareness of gambling disorders.

From government and law enforcement to social services, community leaders came together in 2012 to take the steps necessary to increase community involvement and address the issue through education initiatives. This initiative is called The Toledo Pledge.

The Toledo Pledge states the following:

‘I will learn how to recognize the signs of a potential gambling problem, how to intervene with someone who has a problem, and what treatment options are available in our community. I will share this information with others and intervene when I recognize someone displaying the signs of problem gambling.’

Another version of the Toledo Pledge, which organizations can sign, has similar language. It also provides warning signs to help recognize problem gambling among employees or members, adding:

‘We will show compassion and patience to those with a gambling problem and commit to assisting them with steps toward a gambling-free life.’

To raise awareness about the Toledo Pledge and inform the community about gambling disorders, local stakeholders developed education initiatives that companies, service organizations, unions or places of worship could use to inform their employees or members. This, in turn, would encourage the employees and members to learn how to identify gambling disorders, know when to refer resources to individuals who might need help and to understand more about the treatment options available.

Organizers launched the program by publicizing it directly to the largest companies and organizations in the community. They also have created materials to distribute, including the brochure, “A Quick Guide to Safer Gambling: How Do You Play?” which offers guidance and encourages those concerned for themselves or someone they know to directly contact COMPASS, the Mental Health Board or the United Way. In addition to COMPASS, other organizations joining this effort include the Lucas County Commissioners and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County.

The partner organizations are currently working toward the second phase of educating about The Toledo Pledge. They are developing methods to encourage these stakeholders to follow through on the pledge agreement, in order to send a broader message to a wider group of companies and organizations. This effort includes person-to-person encouragement, offering speakers for public events, providing materials and developing media and online campaigns to promote awareness.

Click hereto learn more about The Toledo Pledge and to read the full article inResponsible Gaming Quarterly.

What are some other communitywide initiatives to increase awareness of gambling disorders?

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