IBR applies the principles of behavioral economics to assess the factors that control health-related behaviors, choices, and investment of behavioral resources, including behavioral excesses and addictions. We develop methods and concepts for the assessment of abuse liability of drugs, poly-drug abuse, demand for drugs, interventions for the control of drug motivated behavior, and translation of results of basic research on drug abuse to implications for drug abuse policy and treatment.

However, the application of fundamental concepts such as supply, demand, price, consumption, value, and choice are not limited to IBR’s work in substance abuse or even monetary exchanges in the human commercial marketplace. Adaptation of Behavioral Economic concepts also can provide unique insights and informative metrics for virtually all areas of human endeavor.

IBR President Dr. Steven R. Hursh regularly delivers invited presentations on recent developments and novel applications in Behavioral Economics, and frequently interacts with colleagues to discuss shared interests.  His involvements have ranged from the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation’s Behavioral Economics Roundtable on Diabetes to a collaboration with the University of Chicago on a presentation entitled, The Behavioral Economics of Transportation Travel Time, Mode Choice and Carbon Impact at the Behavior, Energy & Climate Change Conference.

In addition, IBR scientists have provided Behavioral Economics expertise on a variety of research projects over the years, often formally collaborating on model development and testing, study design, and data analysis, interpretation, and visualization.  Recent consultations include work with colleagues at American University in Washington DC, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, the University of Georgia, University of Mississippi Medical Center, the University of Kansas, Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

If you are interested in incorporating IBR’s Behavioral Economics expertise into a project, contact us to discuss.