As part of one of America’s leading public research institutions on a campus including seven health sciences colleges, our experts are dismantling disparities, championing environments that allow all people to thrive and finding the best tools to prevent disease and support long, healthy lives.
Signature research
From reducing harm from tobacco and vaping to increasing access to screenings that lead to speedy identification and treatment for cancer, our researchers are national leaders in tackling today’s greatest public health challenges.
Reproductive and sexual health
Substance use and addiction
Health disparities
Cancer prevention
Health policy
Environmental and global health
Infectious diseases
“I'm motivated by the belief that science should serve people. By studying gene-environmental interactions, I aim to turn epigenetic biomarkers into practical and applicable tools that prevent disease, improve care and promote health equity. Where we live, what we're exposed to and how we live should not determine our health destiny.”
Public health science
Ohio State and Michigan scholars launch research network
Researchers: Targeted efforts needed to stem fentanyl crisis
How to treat opioid use disorder in health systems
Science Spotlight
Scientist: Jennifer Hefner, associate professor, Division of Health Services Management and Policy
Research summary: Hefner recently wrapped up a major National Institute of Aging-funded study focused on the importance of keeping patients engaged in their health care.
Study’s aim: “Patient engagement has been called ’the blockbuster drug of the century,’ but there was no simple way to measure this important concept. We sought to resolve that.”
Key finding: “We designed and validated a Patient Engagement Capacity Survey, 18 questions a patient can answer in less than 10 minutes.”
How could this advance your field, and patient care? “The survey can inform how we care for patients and help improve their level of engagement in their own health care, which could mean people live healthier, fuller lives.”
Researcher resources
The Office of Research supports the research needs of faculty and staff from grants and contracts management to professional development and training that elevate research practices in the College of Public Health.