Research Signature Areas
Health and Well-Being for All
College of Health Strategic Plan, 2025-2030
The College of Health will play crucial roles in advancing two of the four research areas identified in the university’s strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared: Integrated health and biotechnology, and climate science and related solutions.
Our three signature areas not only contribute to OSU’s ambitious goals but also leverage existing strengths, build opportunities for distinction, and increase our national and international visibility and reputation.
Environmental Impacts on Human Health
Our researchers address environmental health disparities, climate change impacts, and pollution effects on communities, with a focus on developing evidence-informed solutions.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Our researchers are addressing major health challenges through prevention strategies, policy development, and interventions that improve quality of life across diverse populations.
Health and Well-being of Children and Youth
Our researchers study how social policies, families, and communities impact child development and youth health outcomes, with focus on equity, disability access, and risk prevention.
Research Foundational Strengths
Drawing on Strengths + Increasing Capacity
These clusters of research excellence are anchored in the foundational strengths of our researchers: A lifespan perspective, a social determinants of health framework, and expertise in multiple research methods including quantitative and qualitative data analysis, community-engaged research, and implementation science.
Our signature areas will benefit from the university’s expanding capacity in data science and AI and the Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex.
In addition, Extension Family and Community Health and 4-H faculty, embedded in counties throughout Oregon, collaborate with communities to develop local solutions to pressing health challenges.
Four college-based centers also fuel our work. These include