Spring 2020 Update now available

In this issue of HEI Update, read about the Institute moving ahead and staying connected virtually; a successful webinar series that replaced our 2020 annual conference; an eminent epidemiologist joining the Research Committee; publication of two new research reports; a change of leadership for HEI Science; and more!

HEI comments on proposed EPA transparency rule

HEI has formally submitted a response to a rule proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science,” that could prevent EPA decisions based on studies where the data are not made available to the public and to other scientists for confirmation.

HEI issues RFA to study air pollution, COVID-19, and health

HEI has issued RFA 20-1B, Air Pollution, COVID-19, and Human Health, to study the intersection of air pollution and the coronavirus pandemic. The deadline for Letters of Intent is June 8.

Research Committee welcomes new epidemiologist

The HEI Board of Directors has appointed Neil Pearce, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), to the Research Committee. This multidisciplinary committee is responsible for developing and overseeing HEI’s research program.

HEI seeks Staff Scientist for the Global Health Program

HEI is seeking a Staff Scientist with expertise in air pollution exposure assessment, environmental health, health impact assessment, epidemiology or related fields to join our growing science team.

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.