The Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has a brilliant history of research and education spanning almost a century, a distinguished faculty of interdisciplinary and collaborative problem solvers, students who bring their talents and their passion for public health here from all parts of the world, a community of staff members who are guided by a strong sense of service, a worldwide network of accomplished alumni, and a diverse group of generous supporters. HSPH also has the good fortune to be part of a renowned university with extensive activities devoted to the improvement of health. The Harvard School of Public Health is a great school within a great university.
However, no institution can remain successful without embracing an agenda of permanent renewal. My own ambition for HSPH is that it should be the first school of public health for the 21st century: first in quality, first in its global reach and influence, and first in its ability to anticipate and innovate.
In quality the school is already a public health leader for the nation and the world. Its intellectual capacity ranges from the molecular biology of vaccines to the epidemiology of cancer; from women’s and children’s health to nutritional biochemistry; from health care management to human rights. Over the next few years the goal is to expand on our strengths by integrating disciplines and levels of analysis so that we can analyze problems from the genes to the globe. In our endeavors we are guided by the twin values of excellence and relevance. Our strategy is to make major investments in the next generation – to identify and develop new opportunities for students and junior faculty. Since most problems in health, health policy, and health care are global, our perspective is to view local and global health as a continuum. Our opportunity is to work with public health leaders in the translation of new knowledge into policies and programs that can improve the lives of millions in all corners of our interdependent planet.
Our intent not only is to create knowledge through research, but also to re-create knowledge through education and to translate knowledge into evidence that can guide health policy and practice. We strive to provide the highest level of education for public health scientists, practitioners, and policymakers. The departments and programs described in this catalog reflect the full scope of the public health enterprise and the expertise of our faculty, ranging across life sciences, quantitative methods, population-level analyses, and social and policy disciplines. The HSPH faculty, students, and staff approach all our programs with a deep sense of dedication and a mutual respect for different ways of contributing to our shared purpose.
In the last century public health has had a compelling effect on the quality and duration of human lives:longer gains in life expectancy were achieved than had been realized throughout the history of humankind. However, we cannot rest on past successes. We invite you to join us in confronting challenges to health as they unfold — and in advancing the solutions that will safeguard our community for the next century.
Julio Frenk
Dean
