About Us

Leading the Way in Health Promotion Research

The Prevention Research Center at UMass Chan Medical School is proud to be part of the national network of 26 Prevention Research Centers funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that are conducting real-world public health research with a focus on prevention. Together, we focus on developing, testing, and evaluating public health approaches to promote health and well-being, particularly among people who face increased disadvantages and challenges in their lives.   

Directed by Stephenie C. Lemon, PhD and Milagros C. Rosal, PhD, our center was established in 2009. Our health priorities include promoting healthy eating and physical activity, tobacco cessation, and the prevention and management of  chronic conditions.

Our Advisory Committee provides guidance on activities so that our work is grounded and responsive to the Greater Worcester community. It is comprised of remarkable community leaders with a shared vision and commitment for improving the health of our community. Since 2009, we have generated more than $43 million new grant dollars for grants and contracts for additional related research, published more than 435 scientific manuscripts, and trained over 47 students.

Our academic home is in the Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Science at UMass Chan Medical School. We closely collaborate with several programs and centers.