Yerby Research Symposium & Reception
Join us for a vibrant showcase of pioneering research conducted by our Yerby Postdoctoral Fellows. This symposium is a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge studies and engage with the next generation of public health leaders who are addressing critical public health challenges. Come connect with fellow researchers, faculty, and students to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations that can shape the future of public health.
Organizers
Come as you are: Community Circle
For Immigrant & International Students, Staff, Faculty, and Allies. You are invited to a relaxed and welcoming lunch gathering for immigrant and international members of our community. This gathering is an opportunity to connect, share a meal, and be celebrated – just as you are. Hosted by Partnerships for Community Mental Health and Immigrant Well-Being at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in collaboration with the Chan Students’ Immigrant Health Forum.
Organizers
Commencement Ticket Pick-Up
Pick up your tickets for Harvard University Commencement on May 6-8th in Kresge G4 from 10am-4pm. Your tickets for Harvard Chan Convocation can be accessed via after completing your graduation form.
Pick up your class item on May 6-8th in Kresge G4 from 10am-4pm.
More information on Convocation
Organizers
From Discovery to Translation in Molecular Epidemiology: Unlocking the Potential of Large-Scale Biomarker Data for Cancer Prevention
Join us on Wednesday, April 29th for a joint seminar between the Department of Epidemiology and the Harvard Cancer Consortium featuring Dr. Ruth Travis discussing From Discovery to Translation in Molecular Epidemiology: Unlocking the Potential of Large-Scale Biomarker Data for Cancer Prevention.
Abstract: Advances in molecular epidemiology have transformed our ability to measure circulating biomarkers at scale, particularly through the application of high-throughput proteomic platforms in large prospective cohort studies. These developments have enabled the systematic identification of associations between molecular traits and cancer risk across populations. However, translating these discoveries into meaningful insights for prevention, risk stratification, and early detection remains a major challenge. This seminar will explore the opportunities and limitations of large-scale biomarker discovery, focusing on the integration of proteomic, genetic, and epidemiological data to strengthen causal inference and prioritise targets for intervention. It will also consider the methodological and structural barriers that currently limit translation, including issues of measurement, generalisability, and study design, and will discuss how interdisciplinary approaches and coordinated research infrastructure can help bridge the gap between association and action.
Bio: Ruth Travis is Professor of Epidemiology and Deputy Director of the Cancer Epidemiology Unit within the Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford. She is internationally recognised for her research on the molecular and lifestyle determinants of chronic disease, with a particular focus on cancer. She leads a multidisciplinary research programme on the aetiology of prostate cancer funded by Cancer Research UK, alongside a pan-cancer programme integrating proteomic, genetic and epidemiological data across large-scale cohort studies such as EPIC and UK Biobank. She plays a leading role in major international consortia, including the PRACTICAL collaboration. Her work combines epidemiological and ‘omics approaches to advance understanding of cancer causation and inform cancer prevention, with a particular focus on translating large-scale molecular discovery into actionable insights for prevention. She is a member of the international ATLAS team, funded by Cancer Research UK through the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative, which brings together global expertise to uncover mechanisms of cancer avoidance and accelerate their translation into new approaches for prevention.
Speaker Information
Ruth Travis, BA, MSc, DPhil
Organizers
Global humanitarian and disaster management one year after the dismantling of USAID
Presented jointly with the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
How are the front lines of global disaster and humanitarian response faring one year after the dismantling of USAID? Altaf Musani, director of Humanitarian and Disaster Management at the World Health Organization, and Michael VanRooyen, director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, will examine the impacts and explore the paths forward to ensure that lives continue to be saved in this pre-recorded conversation moderated by Irini Albanti, executive director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.
Speakers
Altaf Musani
Moderator
About The Studio
The Science and Practice of Human–Animal Interaction
Join us for a lively conversation where research and real-world practice come together to explore the power of human–animal relationships. We will be joined by researchers Dr. Kerri Rodriguez and Dr. Ichiro Kawachi, and by practitioners Steven Fumicello and Niki Vettel with their animal partners, Sasha and Hermie, whom you will also have a chance to meet. Together, they’ll explore what science and real‑world experience each reveal about the human–animal bond—and how these perspectives inform and inspire one another. Lunch will be provided!
This seminar is co-sponsored with the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness.
Speaker Information
Organizers
Public health and medicine have added years to life; our next urgent challenge is ensuring those extra years are healthy and equitable—especially now that advances in biology and data science let us measure biological age and test aging interventions far more rapidly.
The seminar is designed to bring together researchers from across the School’s disciplines and departments to share current aging research efforts and discuss opportunities for future collaborations and funding. The program will feature brief talks on major aging-related research themes, a panel discussion with Q&A, and informal conversations over coffee and dessert. Your participation will be invaluable in leveraging and expanding the School’s capacity for aging research.
This event is the first of an ongoing interdisciplinary seminar series focused on cross-cutting public health challenges. By showcasing the breadth and depth of our research in aging and healthy longevity, we can begin to position Harvard Chan as a visible leader in this area.
Please register online to indicate your availability; you will receive an Outlook invitation about a week before the event.
Speakers will share their own perspectives; they do not speak for Harvard.
Organizers
2026 Harvard Global Health Student Research Showcase
We invite you to join us at the 2026 Harvard Global Health Student Research Showcase, a University-wide poster session highlighting global health research conducted by Harvard undergraduate and graduate students. We encourage members of the Harvard community to join us to view posters, learn about ongoing research across the University, and support student scholarship.
The Harvard Global Health Student Research Showcase celebrates student research and promotes interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together perspectives from research, practice, and policy across Harvard. The event provides an opportunity to engage with emerging work on pressing global health challenges and to foster dialogue and collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
Registration in advance is not required but is strongly encouraged. Harvard ID or visitor’s pass required for building entry.
Organizers
Spring Freecycle
Don’t miss our spring Freecycle! Back by popular demand and in celebration of Earth Month, this event helps build community as well as save items that might otherwise end up in the trash. Last fall, over 300 people attended and swapped hundreds of items including: clothes, socks, shoes, and accessories; books and magazines; notebooks, paper tablets, clipboards, post-its, pens, pencils, and markers; white boards and dry erase supplies; staplers, tape, and clips; labels and envelopes; vases, mugs, dishes, and utensils; monitor stands and computer peripherals; and more!
Do some spring cleaning and bring your surplus items to the swap. (Please note, it is not necessary to bring anything to be able to shop!) Harvard ID required for building entry.
If you’re not able to make it to the Freecycle but would like to drop off donations, please bring them to the Reuse Room on a Wednesday between 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. See info on the room below for directions.
Organizers
Monday Nutrition Seminar | To organic, or not to organic, that is the question
Please join the Department of Nutrition for the Monday Nutrition Seminar featuring Jorge E. Chavarro, MD, ScD, ScM, Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chavarro’s talk—”To organic, or not to organic, that is the question”—will take place on April 20 at 1:00 p.m. ET in FXB G-13 and via Zoom (registration is required).
Healthy snacks will be provided, thanks to the generous support of the Wellbeing Project Fund from the Office of the Associate Provost for Student Affairs.
The Monday Nutrition Seminar Series is free and open to the public. If you plan to attend this event and do not have an active HUID, please click the “Register Today” button to fill out the registration form by 3:00 p.m. ET on the Friday before the seminar to request a visitor pass to access the building.
Seminar speakers share their perspectives, they do not speak for Harvard.