Meet Dr. Frank Hu: Current Leader of Harvard Nutrition
As the Chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Frank Hu holds a prestigious and influential position. He is also the Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and is affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital. His leadership places him at the forefront of shaping global public health policy through groundbreaking nutritional science. Dr. Hu's work, which spans the intersection of diet, lifestyle, genetics, and chronic disease, has provided critical evidence that influences dietary guidelines and health recommendations worldwide.
His role involves not only guiding research but also educating the next generation of public health leaders, researchers, and practitioners. Under his direction, the department continues to build upon its legacy of pioneering discoveries, from landmark cohort studies to cutting-edge 'omics' technologies that explore gene-environment interactions. Dr. Hu’s election to the U.S. National Academy of Medicine in 2015 underscores his significant contributions to the field and recognizes his stature as a leading authority in nutrition science.
Dr. Hu's Key Research Contributions
Dr. Hu's research portfolio is extensive and has significantly advanced the understanding of diet's role in preventing major chronic diseases. His major research interests are focused on several key areas:
- Cardiometabolic Diseases: Dr. Hu has extensively studied the relationship between diet and the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. His work has highlighted the dangers of sugar-sweetened beverages and the benefits of healthier dietary patterns.
- Gene-Environment Interactions: By integrating 'omics' technologies, his group investigates how genetic factors interact with dietary and lifestyle choices to influence the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This work is advancing the field of precision nutrition, tailoring dietary advice to an individual's genetic makeup.
- Nutritional Metabolomics: His research explores how different dietary patterns and interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet, impact changes in metabolic biomarkers, offering a deeper understanding of the biological pathways involved in disease prevention.
- Nutrition and Global Health: Dr. Hu has also focused on nutrition transition in low- and middle-income countries, examining how changing dietary patterns influence the rise of cardiovascular disease and obesity in these populations.
The Legacy of Harvard Nutrition: A Historical Perspective
The current department stands on the shoulders of giants, including Dr. Walter Willett, who was the Chair of the Department of Nutrition for 25 years. Dr. Willett's monumental contributions, such as leading the Nurses' Health Studies and publishing the textbook Nutritional Epidemiology, established the department as a powerhouse in observational research. A comparison of these two leaders' contributions reveals the evolution of nutritional science.
| Aspect | Dr. Walter Willett (Former Chair) | Dr. Frank Hu (Current Chair) |
|---|---|---|
| Tenure | Chair for 25 years | Current Chair |
| Research Focus | Groundbreaking nutritional epidemiology using large cohort studies (Nurses' Health Study) | Modern nutritional epidemiology, 'omics' technologies, gene-environment interaction, precision nutrition |
| Major Contribution | Established methodology for studying diet and chronic disease; influential dietary recommendations like the Healthy Eating Plate | Advanced understanding of cardiometabolic diseases, sugar intake impacts, and global nutrition trends |
| Key Publications | Authored Nutritional Epidemiology; thousands of peer-reviewed papers | Authored Obesity Epidemiology; over 1,500 scientific papers |
| Public Impact | Influenced U.S. Dietary Guidelines; promoted updated food recommendations | Served on the 2015 U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee; influenced international policy |
Diverse Research Areas at the Department of Nutrition
Under Dr. Hu’s leadership, the department continues to conduct a wide range of cross-disciplinary research. The research is organized into several key areas, reflecting a holistic approach to nutritional science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry: Investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of nutrient action.
- Nutritional Epidemiology: Using large-scale population studies to understand how dietary patterns and lifestyle choices influence health outcomes.
- Public Health Nutrition: Translating scientific findings into public health policies and interventions.
- Global Nutrition: Addressing nutrition-related challenges and policy in low- and middle-income countries.
- Planetary Health: Studying the complex and interconnected relationship between diet, human health, and the environment.
- Clinical Nutrition: Exploring the nutritional management of diseases in clinical settings.
Conclusion
In summary, the head of nutrition at Harvard University is Dr. Frank Hu, who serves as the Chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He carries forward a rich legacy established by his predecessors, such as Dr. Walter Willett, and has advanced the field by integrating modern 'omics' technologies with traditional epidemiological studies. Dr. Hu's influential research on cardiometabolic diseases, lifestyle, and diet continues to inform public health policy and advance precision nutrition, cementing his position as a world-leading authority in the field. His leadership ensures that Harvard remains at the cutting edge of nutritional science, striving to improve human and planetary health through evidence-based strategies.
Learn more about the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition
