Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health professors Francesca Dominici and Ronnie Levin have been recognized as among the 100 individuals who most influenced global health in 2024 by TIME magazine. The inaugural TIME 100 Health list, published on May 2, highlights the impact, innovation, and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals in health.
Francesca Dominici was featured in the category “Catalysts” for her work in combating air pollution. As the Clarence James Gamble Professor of Biostatistics, Population, and Data Science and faculty director of the Harvard Data Science Initiative, Dominici has conducted groundbreaking research that has raised awareness about the health risks associated with fine particulate (PM2.5) pollution. Her work has influenced policies that aim to reduce emissions from vehicle exhaust, power plants, wildfires, and other sources. TIME quoted a spokesperson from the Environmental Protection Agency praising Dominici’s research and crediting it with influencing their decision to lower permissible concentrations of PM2.5 from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air.
Ronnie Levin was honored for her research on lead exposure, which contributed to an EPA proposal requiring the replacement of all lead pipes in the United States within a decade. A cost-benefit analysis conducted by Levin and her colleague Joel Schwartz in 2023 showed that reducing lead in drinking water could save the U.S. billions of dollars annually in health benefits and infrastructure costs. Levin expressed excitement about the EPA’s proposed rule but emphasized the importance of good implementation and enforcement for its success.
Both Dominici and Levin have made significant contributions to public health through their research efforts that have influenced policy decisions and increased public awareness about environmental hazards like air pollution and lead exposure.
Their work is expected to improve population health globally if successfully implemented on a larger scale beyond their home country.
In conclusion, Francesca Dominici and Ronnie Levin are two outstanding researchers who have significantly impacted global public health through their research efforts that have brought attention to critical environmental issues such as air pollution and lead exposure.
Their contributions will undoubtedly continue shaping public policy decisions towards promoting better health outcomes for populations worldwide.
