HEI staying connected, moving ahead

Since mid-March, HEI staff have — in keeping with Massachusetts orders — been working remotely to help stem the tide of coronavirus pandemic and protect their health. While unable to meet in person, the staff are collaborating online to keep important HEI projects moving to the full extent possible.  

“There is no part of our world that has not been affected,” said HEI President Dan Greenbaum, “but we have been pleased that our important work on air pollution and health has been able to continue and strengthen.” 

Important transition for HEI science

After many years of extraordinary service, HEI Director of Science Rashid Shaikh has announced his plans to retire at the end of June. Until then he has taken the position of Director of Science Emeritus and will continue to contribute to the Institute’s important scientific activities. Effective April 1, Managing Scientist Annemoon van Erp has agreed to serve as Acting Director of Science while HEI conducts a search for Shaikh’s successor.

Transforming the 2020 Annual Conference into new interactive Webinars

HEI has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Annual Conference. Instead, we are taking this as an opportunity to transform the well-planned conference sessions into active webinars starting in early April. Stay tuned for more information. 

HEI is seeking a new Director of Science

After a long and fruitful tenure at HEI, Director of Science Rashid Shaikh is planning to retire during the Summer of 2020. Thus, HEI has recruited Isaacson, Miller to conduct the search for a new Director of Science.

Winter 2020 Update now available

In this issue of HEI Update, read about our upcoming Annual Conference in April; our search for the next HEI Review Committee chair; the launch of 11 new HEI studies — four evaluating the effectiveness of air quality actions, five aiming to improve exposure assessment, and two led by our 2019 Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigators; and more.

HEI helps inform EU air quality policies

In mid-January, HEI participated in a joint meeting in Brussels, Belgium to inform air quality decisions in the European Union. The two-day event was co-organized by HEI, the World Health Organization, the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology, and the European Respiratory Society.

Five new studies aim to improve exposure assessment

There are many challenges in conducting epidemiological studies of long-term exposure to air pollutants because concentrations vary widely over space and time. Read how HEI investigators will soon begin five new studies, using novel strategies to address these challenges.

Annual Report for 2019 now available

The 2019 Annual Report, A Window to Trusted Science, describes how HEI provides high quality, impartial, and relevant science informing public policy on air quality and public health, and continues its longstanding commitment to transparency.

HEI issues RFA 20-1 Health Effects of Air Pollution

HEI has issued Request for Applications 20-1, Health Effects of Air Polution, to invite applications on novel and important aspects of the health effects of air pollutants. HEI is particularly interested in applications on the following topics: accountability or effectiveness of air quality regulations; strengthening causal interpretation of evidence from existing cohorts; and contributions of wildland and agricultural burning to air quality and health. Read more..

New HEI accountability studies underway soon

HEI is embarking on a third wave of studies under its accountability research program to assess whether actions to improve air quality have been effective in improving public health. Read about 4 new studies that will start in 2020.