Grants and Fellowships | 2014

2 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