The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) leads or participates in key initiatives that address people’s needs and concerns related to the environment and their health. To accelerate research-based solutions to address emerging problems, NIEHS supports multi-disciplinary science within the institute, across the NIH, and with experts in other government agencies, universities, and international organizations.

Disaster Research Response (DR2) Program

The DR2 Program provides training, funding, and a Resources Portal of tools to empower human health research in response to disasters and public health emergencies.

East Palestine (Ohio) Train Derailment Research Response

After a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio in 2023, NIEHS has been part of a coordinated response to support the communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, including identifying research needs and funding new grants.

Environmental Health Language Collaborative

The Collaborative is a new initiative to advance community development and application of a harmonized language for describing Environmental Health Science (EHS) research.

Global Environmental Health

NIEHS identifies Global Environmental Health (GEH) as a part of its strategic themes, recognizing that because environmental health problems cross national boundaries, conducting studies around the world benefits not just those in areas being studied, but all people who suffer from the same or related environmental health problems.

Joint Subcommittee (JSC) on Environment, Innovation, and Public Health (JEEP)

JEEP is an interagency body under the National Science & Technology Council that identifies, coordinates, and promotes cross-disciplinary solutions and federal responses to environmental and public health concerns.

NIH RADx Efforts at NIEHS

NIH launched in 2020 the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADxSM) initiative, a national call for scientists and organizations to speed innovation in the development, commercialization, and implementation of testing technologies related to COVID-19.

PFAS Research

NIEHS is supporting an aggressive program of research on human exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals and the potential for PFAS exposure to cause harm to children’s cognitive and neurobehavioral development, immune system dysfunction, endocrine disruption, obesity, diabetes, lipid metabolism, and certain cancers.

President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children

The President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children is the focal point for coordinating federal government efforts to explore, understand, and act together to improve children's safety and environmental health.

Tox21

Tox21 is a federal consortium that generates data on pharmaceuticals and environmental chemicals to address key challenges in advancing toxicology testing in the 21st century.

Translational Research at NIEHS

NIEHS encourages the translation of environmental health research into concrete strategies that protect and improve human health.

Women's Health Awareness

The Women’s Health Awareness (WHA) Community Engagement Program is an innovative environmental health research, public health practice and advocacy initiative.