Funding available for novel health game research ideas.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced its 2009 Call for Proposals today.  A wide variety of researchers are encouraged to apply, including those with little experience in the field.  Submissions should be groundbreaking digital interactive game ideas that improve players’ physical activity and/or self-care.  Research ideas must also test one or more of these topics:

• behavioral health theories
• game design theories
• learning theories
• attitude change
• skill development

Grant details and important dates.

• 15 research grants to be awarded
• Each totaling $100K and $300K
• $2M given out for the year
• Call announced January 15, 2009
• Proposals due April 8, 2009
• Grant start date September 1, 2008
  

A program every health gamer should know about.

The Health Games Research is an $8.25M national program that “supports outstanding research to enhance the quality and impact of interactive games used to improve health.”  The program is directed by Dr. Debra Lieberman of the University of California, Santa Barbara.  Dr. Lieberman is the creator of several Nintendo-based games for health including Packy & Marlon (type 1 diabetes management) and Bronkie the Bronchiasaurus (asthma management).

For more information, visit the Health Games Research Call for Proposals page or see the Health Games Research page for further information about this amazing RWJF program.