Projects

How do environmental exposures affect human health over a lifetime?

Providing researchers with key resources through the Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource (HHEAR)

Challenge

Understanding human health demands considering both environmental and genetic factors, which require sophisticated tools and technologies that are not readily available to researchers. The Human Health Exposure Resource (HHEAR) addresses this need. It is a continuation of the Children’s Health Exposure Analysis Resource (CHEAR).

HHEAR is a centralized network of high-quality exposure analysis services, enabling scientists studying human health to expand their research to consider environmental impacts.

It has been developed by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and the National Institutes of Health Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program.

Solution

HHEAR’s infrastructure also includes 3 key components:

  • HHEAR Coordinating Center, operated by Westat to facilitate access to HHEAR services and give researchers the opportunity to interface and collaborate with each other
  • The Network of Exposure Laboratories, conducting analysis of biological and environmental samples
  • The Data Center, providing support for the storage, analysis, and interpretation of data generated by the HHEAR network

As the HHEAR Coordinating Center, Westat also:

  • Manages and tracks the flow of projects, materials, and analyses between the HHEAR components and participating researchers
  • Maintains and updates a public website to facilitate communication with the broader scientific community and help researchers learn about and apply for HHEAR services
  • Advises researchers on required project documentation and HHEAR policies and agreements
  • Develops processes for evaluating the project workflow and efficiency of services
  • Provides organizational and logistical support to HHEAR committees and working groups
  • Develops education and outreach activities to facilitate exposure analysis research in the broader scientific community

Results

HHEAR provides researchers with access to comprehensive services in study design, state-of-the-art laboratory testing of biological and environmental samples, and assistance with statistical analysis, at no cost.

With these services, researchers will be able to:

  • Harmonize data to gain a better understanding of the exposome
  • Learn how factors in the environment impact disease
  • Better assess the broadest possible effects of environmental exposures on human health throughout the life course

Insights

Deep Dive with Our Experts

view all insights
  • Perspective

    Diverse Journeys: Westat Women in Leadership

    March 2024

    In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the remarkable women leaders at Westat. Their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and insights have helped…

  • Perspective

    Spotlight on Maternal Mental Health

    March 2024

    Mental health conditions are the most common complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies mental health…

  • Perspective

    Access to Birthing-Friendly Facilities for Maternal Care

    February 2024

    Preventable maternal mortality in the U.S. has grown considerably and spurred the federal government into action, most noticeably with the development of the White House…

Projects

Keep Reading

view all projects

How can we help?

We welcome messages from job seekers, collaborators, and potential clients and partners.

Get in Contact

Want to work with us?

You’ll be in great company.

Explore Careers
Back to Top