Immunology: Method Hones Tolerance of Tissue Transplants Achievements: HSPH Deans Host State of the School Address and Forum Endocrinology: Protein Pegged to Onset of Puberty Pathology: Mouse Model of Alzheimer's May Clarify Brain Degeneration Milestone Symposia: Symposium Explores Cell Cycle and Cancer National Meetings: BioSecurity 2003 Sounds Alarm on Continuing Threats Protein Linked to Major Cause of Mental Retardation Found to Regulate Gene Affecting Growth of Neurons Protein Appears Crucial to Left-Right Asymmetry   HMS, Blue Cross Lead Health Care Cost-effectiveness Project HMS Appointments to Full Professorships IOM Taps Three from HMS eCommons Expands Search Capabilities, Offers Resume System Milestone Series to Explore Molecular Sensing Nominations Sought for Distinguished Biostatistics Alum Nominations Sought for 2004 Marvin Zelen Leadership Award Honors and Advances News Brief   Boston HAPPENS Helps Young People at Risk for HIV   Medical Ed Day Sees Curriculum in Motion   Front Page

ACHIEVEMENTS HSPH Deans Host State of the School Address and Forum The status of HSPH took center stage on Oct. 23 at the second annual HSPH State of the School address and forum, presented by HSPH dean Barry Bloom and James Ware, dean for academic affairs. After their talks, both deans fielded questions from the audience directly and via videoconferencing. Barry Bloom reviewed HSPH accomplishments during the second annual State of the School Address on Oct. 23, including the launch of the first HIV vaccine trial simultaneously in the U.S. and Africa. (Photo by Suzanne Camarata) On a local level, Bloom said, much remains uncertain about the possible relocation of HSPH to Allston, suggested by Harvard president Lawrence Summers. Knowledge and Proximity "There has been a lot of discussion about what schools are going to go, what schools are going to stay," Bloom noted. "I don't think that is the sense of the message. I think the message is what areas of knowledge 10 years from now are going to be cutting edge and important, and how do we build synergies either locally or between other parts of the University." Other achievements include HSPH being named a national preparedness center by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to train responders to terrorism and natural disasters. Nationally, the School's work intersects with many goals espoused by the National Institutes of Health. A recent NIH report emphasized collaborative research--a hallmark of public health--and research that directly affects people. Though the School does not engage in patient care, said Bloom, it works on the design, analysis, and management of clinical trials and on epidemiology studies. On a global level, Bloom seeks more funding to support scholarships, particularly for international students. Their numbers have increased about 10 percent in the last five years, and it remains a high priority for the School to train leaders in public health from around the world. HSPH Research Bloom said HSPH surveys have shed light on public opinion on issues such as health care coverage for the poor and elderly. Obesity is a growing epidemic with staggering numbers, noted Bloom. Approximately two thirds of Americans are overweight, with minority children at particular risk. Even areas of the world once associated with food deficiencies, like China, are now facing obesity problems. The departments of Nutrition and of Society, Human Development, and Health are investigating ways to curb the epidemic. Other achievements include HSPH being named a national preparedness center by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to train responders to terrorism and natural disasters. This summer, the Harvard AIDS Institute was part of an initiative to launch the first HIV vaccine trial simultaneously in the U.S. and Africa. Administrative Milestones Bloom noted several administrative milestones at the School. HSPH has established two new departments--of Genetics and Complex Diseases and of Society, Human Development, and Health--as well as programs, including a new joint JD-MPH degree program with Harvard Law School. Ware provided a financial picture of the School, which has operated in the black for each of the past 15 years. Three years ago, the Boston Consulting Group worked with HSPH to give guidance on how the School could build long-term financial strength. A faculty finance committee was formed, which suggested ways to develop resources to fulfill the School's mission. The committee formulated a successful financial model, and Ware thanked HSPH staff and faculty who worked hard to implement the new system. Recommendations from the group continue to be pursued. --Christina Roache