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Bridging two very different scientific domains to forge a new discipline is a daunting challenge.
One of the primary goals of the Environment and Health Fund (EHF) has been the promotion of
interdisciplinary research and training in environmental health in Israel. The 56 abstracts included
in this volume are indicative of the breadth of this interdisciplinary field. Reviewing the research
included here, we see the variety of environmental exposures of concern, along with the many
health endpoints they influence. The complexity of promoting interdisciplinary research and
training becomes even greater when one considers the methodological differences between research
in environmental sciences as compared to epidemiological studies of human health and disease.
The more we learn about the increasing rates of chronic illnesses, the more we understand the
importance of environmental factors. The scientific research that aids in unraveling these complex
relationships is critical to our ability to appropriately intervene to reduce exposures and improve
public health. We are proud to note that since its establishment in 2007, EHF has been a pioneer
in Israel, establishing University Centers of Excellence, supporting interdisciplinary research,
sending young Israeli scientists overseas to train in the most prestigious laboratories in the world,
and most recently, assisting them to reintegrate into the field of environmental health research and
training in Israel. As the community of environmental health researchers in Israel strengthens its
ties to the global network of scientists and practitioners, our hope is that the sustainability of what
has been accomplished thus far will be guaranteed.
Thanks are due to the staff and the board of the Environment and Health Fund for the efforts
invested in the grants and fellowships programs, and in the production of this publication. Particular
thanks are due to Dr. Sari Rosen whose work on every aspect of the grants and fellowships programs
is performed with meticulous attention to detail and the highest standards of excellence.
The research outlined in this volume, and over 90 publications it produced, is evidence of the
progress that has been made in establishing high quality research and training in environmental
health in Israel. It is the first step towards building capacity. The Environment and Health Fund,
along with the community of environmental health scientists and practitioners, remains committed
to continuing to expand capabilities in order to allow us to meet present and future environmental
health challenges.
Prof. Ilan Chet
Dr. Ruth Ostrin
Chairman
Director
Introduction