National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Intramural Research Division

Scientific Director: Darryl C. Zeldin, M.D.

The NIEHS aims to reduce the burden of human illness and disability by understanding how the environment influences the development and progression of human disease. To have the greatest impact on preventing disease and improving human health, the NIEHS focuses on basic science, disease-oriented research, global environmental health, and multidisciplinary training for researchers.

The studies are divided into two groups: the Intramural Research Division and the Clinical Research Program. Scientists from these programs carry out basic and clinical research projects that are often long-term and high-risk in nature and involve unique components, such as epidemiological studies of environmentally-associated diseases and studies to reduce the effects of exposures to hazardous environments.

These intramural scientists are highly interactive and are often engaged in interdisciplinary research that encourages novel ideas, innovative hypotheses, and new paradigms. They have also established several Scientific Interest Groups organized around scientific topics of general interest to the NIEHS.

Learn more about the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ Division.

Division of Translational Toxicology

Scientific Director: Heather Patisaul, Ph.D.

The Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) at NIEHS oversees and carries out activities in support of the National Toxicology Program (NTP). NTP is an interagency program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, comprised of NIEHS, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Center for Toxicological Research.

DTT scientists focus on disease prevention and safeguarding public health through the identification of environmental substances that could be hazardous to humans by studying their toxicology through research, testing, and literature analysis. They also work to move the field of toxicology forward through the development and implementation of improved methods, generating approaches and data to strengthen the science base for risk assessments, and communicating results to stakeholders.

Learn more about the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ Division of Translational Toxicology.