The Public Health Law Research (PHLR) Program was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) national program office from 2009 to 2016.
The PHLR Program was responsible for promoting effective regulatory, legal and policy solutions to improve public health, and was tasked by RWJF to build the field of public health law research (also known as legal epidemiology).
Over eight years, the program funded 81 grantees for about $13.5 million. The grantee researchers produced studies published in major public health, law and industry journals, covered by major media outlets domestically and internationally, and worked with policymakers and their staff to testify on important issues relating to health and law or policy. The evidence-based products produced by the PHLR grantees can be found in the Evidence Library
Methods Core
The PHLR Methods Core was a group of researchers with a range of empirical and methodological expertise. A diverse group of highly experienced researchers at the intersection of public health and law, the Methods Core team was closely involved in developing the strategy and priorities of the program, selecting studies for funding, and providing technical assistance and support to strengthen research on law and health.
- Jennifer Ibrahim, PhD, MPH (Associate Director)
- Alexander C. Wagenaar, PhD (Associate Director)
- Michelle Mello, JD, PhD
- Jeffrey Swanson, PhD
- Jennifer Wood, PhD
- Patrick M. Bernet, PhD
- Christopher Robertson, JD, PhD
National Advisory Commitee
The National Advisory Committee (NAC) reviewed and recommended projects from the submissions received during each PHLR call for proposals. They also provided strategic planning advice for future program direction. The NAC represented a broad set of expertises in assessing program fit and ensures a fair and externally-based selection process.
- Phillip Gardiner, DrPH
- Susan Gerard, MBA
- Wilfredo Lopez, JD
- Anthony D. Moulton, PhD
- Wendy E. Parmet, JD
- Matthew Penn, JD
- Frank J. Chaloupka, PhD