Georgia State University’s School of Public Health has been named one of 14 Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Along with major partners – the University of Illinois, Chicago and RTI International, the Georgia State TCORS focuses on both the human and economic factors that contribute to decision making related to tobacco products.

Funded through a five-year, $19 million grant, the Georgia State project is titled “The Science of Decision Making: Connecting People and Policy.” Included are three inter-related research topics:

• Enhancing the Economic Impact Analysis used in FDA’s Rules for Tobacco Products
• Testing Tobacco Ad Restrictions and Counter Ads in a 3D Virtual Retail Store
• Conducting Consumer Behavior, Risk Perception and Media Research on Novel Tobacco Products

These projects will increase the understanding of the diversity of tobacco products, the communications and marketing of those products, particularly at the point of purchase, and how economics and public health policies affect tobacco use. The research utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach that features collaboration among tobacco control experts, behavioral economists, cognitive psychologists and communication researchers. The data and results from these studies will have direct implications for future FDA and NIH regulatory actions.

In addition to the research projects, three cores provide leadership and support for the Georgia State TCORS.

• The Administrative Core provides comprehensive and cohesive administrative, fiscal and program support for the Center.
• The Training and Education Core focuses on pre- and post-doctoral training in specific areas of regulatory science.
• The Developmental and Pilot Research Core promotes high-impact research that supports the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products priority areas.