In 1996, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). NORA has become a research framework for NIOSH and the nation.

NORA entered its third decade (2016-2026) with an enhanced structure of 17 sectors and cross-sectors. There are 10 industry sectors based on major areas of the U.S. economy. There are also seven health and safety cross-sectors for the major health and safety issues affecting U.S. workers.