The Mission of the Department of Urban Health and Population Science is to advance the well-being of urban communities through impactful research, education, and community engagement. Our department is committed to addressing the intricate challenges of urban health and population dynamics in marginalized communities, with a focus on promoting health equity, resilience, and sustainable development.

We strive to conduct cutting-edge research that generates evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life in urban populations with complex structural determinants of health. Our interdisciplinary approach brings together more than 140 faculty, professional staff, and experts in public health, medicine, anthropology, ethics, epidemiology, sociology, law, education, social work, population science and related fields to explore the multifaceted factors influencing health and population dynamics in urban environments.

Education is a cornerstone of our mission, and we are dedicated to training the next generation of leaders in urban health and population science. Through rigorous academic programs, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, we empower our students to contribute meaningfully to the field, fostering a new generation of professionals who can navigate and seek to mitigate the unethical health inequities that exist in urban environments.

We foster partnerships and promote community-driven initiatives by engaging communities, policymakers, and stakeholders who are trusted messengers to translate research findings into actionable policies, interventions and practices.  The communities we partner with actively collaborate with our teams, playing a vital role in our success. We credit a substantial part of our achievements to their valuable insights and impactful contributions.

Our Department is guided by a commitment to social justice, solidarity, ethical research practices, and the principles of community-based participatory research. We are highly skilled in the science of studying equity – and in deploying evidence to drive change.

Through our work, we aspire to make lasting contributions to the field of urban health, ultimately creating healthier, more vibrant, and sustainable urban communities.