How it works

Participants in the commons apply multiple perspectives, tools and expertise to the exploration of health, from molecules to societal issues.

Six broad-based and inclusive frames of reference are the basis of examination:

• neurobiology, aging, dementias and movement disorders (led by Salvatore Oddo, PhD)
• cancer prevention, detection, management and treatment (led by Karen Anderson, MD, PhD)
• viruses, immunity, microbiomes and infectious disease (led by Grant McFadden, PhD)
• nutrition, obesity, exercise and lifestyle (led by Jennifer Huberty, PhD)
• mental health, substance abuse, crime and behavior change (led by Michael Shafer, PhD)
• public health and health care services law, policy and equity (led by James Hodge, JD, LLM)

Viewing wellbeing through multiple perspectives allows fresh approaches to any number of health issues, including grand challenges such as heart disease and diabetes. New collaborations will catalyze new solutions and improved outcomes in our state.

Benefits of participating

The commons will offer opportunities to collaborate and identify research alignment; enhanced mentorship of young researchers; the chance to develop and use shared resources; and an online presence that facilitates communication statewide.
 

Leadership

Joshua LaBaer, MD, PhD, leads the commons. He is one of the nation’s foremost investigators in the rapidly expanding field of personalized diagnostics and executive director of the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University. LaBaer is also director of the Biodesign Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, the Dalton Chair of Cancer Research, a professor in the ASU School of Molecular Sciences and an adjunct professor of medicine at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.