Tobacco Science and Health Program Initiative

Program Description

For many health issues, the focus is on treatment when symptoms are manifested, or on the cause of those symptoms. But what if the focus was further upstream, on identification of pre-symptomatic indicators of disease?

The Institute is interested in supporting studies dedicated to developing/identifying short- and long-term "intelligent" biomarkers of disease, and therefore developing the means for early determination of biological impact. Identifying these pre-clinical symptomatic indicators can lead to earlier diagnosis, less suffering and ultimately, prevention.

For example, in tobacco science and health, smoking cessation is frequently the focus. The government is sponsoring awareness programs, similar to the "just say no" campaign. Pharmaceutical companies are investigating and providing drug alternatives. However, 45 million Americans are still smoking and therefore are still at risk. Some may like to quit, but either have not made an earnest attempt or current alternatives have not been adequate for them. Others either cannot, or choose not, to quit.

The Tobacco Science and Health Program Initiative is focused on developing and supporting research projects in the area of tobacco harm reduction . Based on the 2001 Institute of Medicine report " Clearing the Smoke: Assessing the Science Base for Tobacco Harm Reduction ," the Institute, at the recommendation of its independent Advisory Council on Tobacco Science and Health Policy members, has developed programs to fill gaps in the current knowledge base in tobacco science and harm reduction. Such areas include, but are not limited to:

• Intelligent biomarkers of exposure and harm
• Tobacco constituent toxicity
• Epidemiology and risk assessment
• Emerging cancers in which tobacco-product usage has been identified as a risk factor

These areas of research are needed because tens of millions of people worldwide still cannot, or choose not, to stop smoking. As a catalyst to improve the human condition , we are fervent in our belief that something should be done to better the health of those individuals who continue to use tobacco-based products.

Support for this program has been received from:

• Anonymous Private Donations
• IFSH General Fund
• British American Tobacco (unrestricted grant has expired)
• Brown & Williamson Tobacco (unrestricted grant has expired)

Click here to go to information on projects

Click here to go to information on reports

Apply for Grants

Please check back for new opportunities to apply for grants. For more information on applying for grants click here .

Conferences and Forums

For information on all conferences and forums click here .

2001 Developmental Forum St Louis, MO
Forum on Tobacco Science and Health Policy

2004 European Interactive Forum Prague, CZR
Perceptions and Realities in Funding Health Research Related to Lifestyle Factors Underlying Human Disease in the 21st Century

2 005 US Research Symposium St. Louis, MO
Biomarkers of Harm, Tobacco Toxicity, and Emerging Cancer Patterns and Etiology

2006 Research Symposium Vienna, Austria
Tobacco Harm Reduction and Perception of Risk

Advisory Council on Tobacco Science and Health Policy

The Advisory Council on Tobacco Science and Health Policy is composed of experts in the field of tobacco science and ethics from within the US and abroad. Click here to see the current members on this Council.