Neuroepidemiology

Our dedicated neuroepidemiology course combines lectures on the causes of neurological diseases, challenges in conducting epidemiological studies, and clinical perspectives.

Neuroepidemiology is a branch of epidemiology that examines neurological disorders in populations, investigating risk and protective factors for diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. By applying epidemiological methods to neurology, the field informs public health strategies to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurological diseases.

The Neuroepidemiology program at the Harvard Chan School offers comprehensive training and research opportunities for students and fellows. Our dedicated neuroepidemiology course combines lectures on the causes of neurological diseases, challenges in conducting epidemiological studies, and clinical perspectives. This approach aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of disease etiology and prepare them to conduct rigorous epidemiological studies that address the most pressing research questions in neuroepidemiology.   

Highlights from our program include:

• Students and fellows have the opportunity to work closely with distinguished faculty in the Neuroepidemiology Research Group
• Opportunities to conduct projects from major research area where they investigate the roles of diet, infections, and environmental exposures in the etiology of neurological diseases, leveraging a unique resource of millions of individuals from multiple national and international cohorts. A major focus is the integration of biomarkers and genetic factors. Examples of current projects include exploring the role of the Epstein-Barr virus in multiple sclerosis, identifying early signs of prodromal Parkinson’s disease, and understanding novel risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Our program enables students and fellows to contribute to novel prevention and treatment strategies for debilitating neurological diseases
• Opportunities to work across various Harvard-affiliated institutions across the Longwood Medical Area.

Learn more about our faculty below: