Rather than pursue research needs in mainstream health areas that receive the majority of attention, the Institute focuses on under-funded and under-researched health issues affecting at-risk populations. Accordingly, the Institute has adopted the concept of orphan diseases to allow others to gain a better understanding of diseases that are typically under-funded and therefore under-researched. The Institute has established a series of Research Program Initiatives (examples of which are indicated below) umbrella categories under which several related diseases/disorders can be placed. These Program Initiatives represent current areas of the Institute's research interest. These Initiatives are subject to change over time. For a more detailed explanation of the Institute's research programs click here .

• Tobacco Science and Health
• Gastrointestinal Diseases
• Youth Health and Development
• Diseases from Airborne Contaminants
• Neurodegenerative Disorders