Suicide prevention starts with research.
Scientific research tells us why suicide deaths happen and what we can do to prevent them. At AFSP, research findings inform every aspect of our mission, from public education to policy advocacy and support for loss survivors.
Funding research is also a fundamental aspect of our work, and how we were founded in 1987. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are now the largest private funder of suicide prevention research, shaping innovative suicide prevention strategies around the world.
Learn more about our research impact strategy, including AFSP-funded grants, support and guidance for the research community, and public education about important findings.
I Want to Learn From Research
The more we know about suicide, the more we can do to help prevent it. Learn more about this leading cause of death and the research-backed strategies that can help save lives.
The latest statistics on suicide Learn the latest statistics on suicide
View statisticsPublic perception of suicide prevention Learn more about national public perception of suicide prevention
Read the Harris PollVolunteer for a research study Participate in suicide prevention research by volunteering for a study
Participate in research
Ask Dr. Jill
Real mental health questions, answered with the latest research.
Real mental health questions, answered with the latest scientific research.
The History of Suicide Research
The history of suicide research.
A detailed timeline of the historic moments in suicide research.
Research Publications
Hundreds of publications supported by AFSP research grants.
A library of hundreds of publications from grants funded by AFSP.
Research Roundup
Monthly insights into leading, AFSP-funded studies.
Monthly high-level insights into leading, AFSP-funded studies.
I'm a Researcher
Join our global community of leading suicide prevention researchers. Whether you're an established researcher or early in your career, we're excited to connect with you.
Join the community by applying for a grant Join the AFSP research community by applying for a grant
Apply for a grantRecruit volunteers for your AFSP study Recruit volunteers to participate in your AFSP research study
View recruitment studiesBrowse hundreds of past funded grants Browse hundreds of past AFSP-funded research grants opening new areas of inquiry
View research grants Research Publications
Hundreds of publications supported by AFSP research grants.
Hundreds of publications acknowledging the support of AFSP research grants.
Trainings & Roundtables
The essentials of suicide prevention research, from established researchers.
The essentials of suicide prevention research, from established researchers.
Connect With AFSP
@afspnational We’ve learned through AFSP-funded research that clinician-client relationships can impact suicidal desire and improved outcomes. Help us continue funding lifesaving research by making a gift at afsp.org/give #Science2StopSuicide ♬ original sound - AFSP
@afspnational In this special episode, we celebrate the work of two exceptional researchers being honored at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s 2026 Research Awards Dinner: Dr. Jane Pearson, Special Advisor to the Director for Suicide Research at the National Institute of Mental Health and the recipient of the 2026 AFSP Lifetime Achievement Award Dr. Holly Wilcox, Professor, Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the recipient of the 2026 AFSP Annual Research Award Together with host Dr. Jill, they look back at decades of suicide prevention research, including work on research ethics, youth suicide, and the role of firearms. They also reflect on the legacy of the 2001 U.S. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention — which turns 25 this year — and how it compares to the 2024 update. Listen to the episode 🎧 link in bio. #Science2StopSuicide ♬ original sound - AFSP
