Addressing the public health needs of our aging population demands a holistic approach, innovative healthcare, and age-friendly environments. SPH takes an interdisciplinary approach to advance the science of aging and is a research pioneer in the experience of older adults in long-term care facilities and nursing homes.

Antiracism and health equity-focused public health research is crucial because systemic racism drives significant health disparities for marginalized communities. SPH action-focused, community-engaged research helps address these inequities, ensuring equitable healthcare access and a healthier, more just society.

The complexity of cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach encompassing studies of etiology, prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship. SPH research spans this continuum with faculty members bringing an array of methods expertise including epidemiology, intervention science, decision modeling, and molecular biology.

Public health research focused on chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease) explores their multifactorial etiology and develops intervention strategies to prevent and treat these pressing public health problems. SPH researchers are at the forefront of exciting breakthroughs in understanding, preventing, and managing chronic diseases.

Data science and research methods are crucial for public health. Leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and statistical models help public health professionals make evidence-based decisions that improve health outcomes. Our SPH experts lead and contribute to projects involving HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, heart and lung disease, cancer, neuroimaging, among other clinical disciplines.

The urgent need for environmental and hazardous exposures research stems from escalating global pollution and climate change. SPH research examining the impacts of toxins, pollutants, and climate-related hazards on human health and ecosystems is essential to mitigate adverse effects, promote sustainable practices and policies, ensuring a healthier future.

Access to healthy food prevents chronic diseases, supports mental well-being, and enhances quality of life. Our research informs policies and interventions that can reduce healthcare costs, combat malnutrition, and improve overall population health, especially among vulnerable groups.

Genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics enable a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying diseases. By analyzing genetic information, protein expressions, and metabolic processes, our research contributes to biomarker identification for early disease detection, leading to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and effective preventive measures.

Health systems, policy, and management research drives improvements in healthcare delivery, optimizes resource allocation, and informs policy decisions, ensuring effective, equitable, and efficient health services. The SPH researches evidence-based strategies, addresses systemic challenges and fosters innovation, leading to a more resilient and responsive healthcare system and health care workforce.

Infectious disease research drives innovation in vaccines and intervention strategies, safeguarding global health against evolving threats like pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and emerging pathogens. Our research stretches from rural Minnesota, where we explore chlamydia infection risk factors and interventions, to West Africa, where we’re studying Ebola’s long-term effects on survivors’ DNA.

Public health mental health and cognition research is crucial for developing effective interventions and policies. SPH research emphasizes a multi-faceted, lifecourse approach, including the role of genes and environments, mental health care, brain function, and associations between mental and physical health.

SPH research plays a critical role in improving the health of women, infants, and children by identifying risk factors, understanding the causes of health issues, informing policies, and developing effective programs and interventions that address these populations unique needs and challenges.

Research in substance use research addresses the prevalence, determinants, and prevention of alcohol, tobacco use, cannabis, opioids, and related problems. SPH faculty conduct epidemiologic research on the causes, consequences, and interventions for substance use at the individual, institutional, and policy level.