History of Harvard-NIEHS Center for Environmental Health 

Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health have been actively engaged in environmental research since the inception of the School 80 years ago. The earliest publications in the 1920s and l930s dealt with pulmonary function, pulmonary pathology, occupational safety and health, and the effects of inhaled dusts and fumes in animal models and humans. These topics demonstrate a commitment to the study of environmental disease that has never wavered. Importantly, these early studies exemplify the interdisciplinary approach we still employ, involving frequent collaborations among engineers, chemists, physiologists, pharmacologists, epidemiologists and physicians. Research extended from fundamental science to practical field applications, with an emphasis on new analytical techniques, devices and approaches.

The Harvard-NIEHS Center was established in 1962 with Dr. James Whittenberger as its founding Director. It has the distinction of having NIEHS Grant number ES000002. This hallmark grant number is a source of pride for the Center members and for the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Whittenberger served as Center Director for 20 years until 1982 when he was succeeded by Dr. John B. Little. Dr. Little was succeeded in 1998 by Dr. Joseph D. Brain, who has been Director for ten years. In this renewal application, Dr. Douglas W. Dockery, Chair of the Department of Environmental Health, is taking on responsibility as Center Director.

Harvard-NIEHS Center Directors: Whittenberger, Little and Brain in 1999