Robert M. Tighe, MD, has been appointed to lead the development of the School of Medicine’s research strategy on the impact of climate change on health.
“This is a critical topic that requires interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to address the complex challenges to human health posed by the changing environment, and we are fortunate to have a visionary and collaborative leader in Dr. Tighe to spearhead this initiative,” Mary E. Klotman, MD, executive vice president for health affairs for Duke University and dean of the School of Medicine, said in an announcement.
Tighe will be responsible for developing a coherent research strategy on the impact of climate change on health, in consultation with relevant stakeholders within and outside the School of Medicine. This strategy will identify priority areas and opportunities that speak to Duke’s strengths, a high-level research agenda, existing resources, and potential collaborators. The school’s climate change research strategy will align with its mission, vision, and values, and reflect the diversity of the school’s community.
Tighe is an associate professor with tenure and chief of research in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care. His research focuses on pulmonary basic translational studies to define susceptibility factors and therapeutic candidate pathways relevant to human responses to environmental pollutants. He has a secondary appointment in the Nicholas School of the Environment in the Division of Environmental Science and Policy and a strong record of scientific excellence, leadership acumen, and interdisciplinary collaboration.