Information about the NIEHS Superfund Research and Training Program
Since its inception in 1987, the superfund research and training program (SRP) has applied a multidisciplinary approach to research focused on providing a solid foundation that environmental managers and risk assessors can draw upon to make sound decisions related to Superfund and other hazardous waste sites. We believe that research plays a crucial role in addressing challenges posed by environmental contamination, such as health risks, toxicity, exposure predictions, fate and transport, and the need for cost-effective treatments for hazardous waste sites found throughout the United States.
Today, the Program supports peer-reviewed research in 19 university Centers, encompassing 142 collaborations at 120 institutions. These Centers conduct interdisciplinary, multiproject research focused on one central theme. The SRP also provides funding for Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Research (SBIR/STTR) grants designed to foster the commercialization of relevant technologies, products, and devices, as well as funding for individual research grants to address specific issues that complement the multiproject center grants.
The SRP also has a strong training component, supporting many outstanding graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Finally, the Program funds a variety of outreach efforts to facilitate the translation of the Program's research findings to the communities and organizations most concerned with hazardous substances, with the ultimate goal of improving public health. More information can be obtained by downloading this PDF booklet.