New scholars program examines environmental factors impacting health disparities
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is initiating an Environmental Justice Scholars Program to advance knowledge on environmental factors impacting health disparities. External academics, researchers, and community-based leaders will collaborate with NIH to examine how climate change, air pollution, and water quality, among other exposures, can contribute to health inequities.
Led by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the Environmental Justice Scholars Program is expected to engage about a dozen external environmental justice experts and community leaders to work closely with NIH institutes and centers. The All of Us Research Program will host one of the environmental justice scholars.
“These scholars will offer a range of expertise to address health disparities and identify exposures for diverse populations regardless of ZIP code,” said Trevor Archer, Ph.D., deputy director of NIEHS.
Applications for the inaugural group of environmental justice scholars are being accepted through October 11, 2024. The program begins in January 2025 and can extend up to 10 months.
“All of Us is well-positioned to empower research on environmental justice,” said Sheri Schully, Ph.D., deputy chief medical and scientific officer at All of Us. “The data participants have generously shared can help researchers better understand inequities and environmental drivers of disease.”
All of Us already has more than 565,000 participants who have contributed robust data including information from biosamples, electronic health records, and surveys. At least 80 percent of All of Us participants identify with communities underrepresented in medical research. In collaboration with NIEHS, All of Us plans to integrate environmental exposure data related to geographic locations where participants live. This data collection represents a significant step forward for the program in enabling research to learn more about how environmental influences affect overall health, Dr. Schully said.
A core principle of All of Us is returning information to participants who contribute their data for research. The scholar working with All of Us will help develop potential approaches for returning environmental health data to participants.
U.S.‐based or international mid‐career to senior scientist candidates and environmental justice community leaders from academic, non‐profit, or private sectors are eligible to apply. Interested scholars should have demonstrated expertise in environmental justice issues.
To learn more about eligibility and requirements, visit the NIH Environmental Justice Scholars Program.
