Professor Paolo Vineis Delivers Public Lecture on Environmental Epidemiology
Trinity College Dublin Hosts Professor Paolo Vineis for Insightful Lecture on Environmental Epidemiology
On May 21st, 2024, Trinity College Dublin and The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) were honoured to welcome Professor Paolo Vineis, Chair of Environmental Epidemiology at Imperial College London. Professor Vineis delivered a thought-provoking multidisciplinary public lecture on the evolving field of environmental epidemiology, focusing on the concept of the ‘exposome’ and its implications for understanding the biological embedding of social variables.
Key Highlights of the Lecture
- Exploring the ‘Exposome’: Professor Vineis introduced the concept of the ‘exposome’, which encompasses the totality of environmental exposures an individual encounters over their lifetime. He discussed how this evolving field seeks to bridge the gap between environmental exposures and health outcomes, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how social and environmental factors influence biology.
- Impact of Social Variables: The lecture highlighted the complexities of how social variables, including socio-economic differences, impact an individual’s health and biological processes. Professor Vineis emphasized that despite extensive research on environmental contaminants, challenges such as confounding and reverse causation often complicate the determination of causality.
- Advancements and Future Directions: Professor Vineis discussed the promising future of environmental epidemiology. He pointed out that new cohort studies, improved biosample collections, enhanced questionnaire data, and novel technologies could significantly advance research. These advancements have the potential to improve the characterization of environmental exposures and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of their effects on health.
A Longstanding Collaboration
Professor Vineis has had a longstanding relationship with TILDA, dating back nearly a decade. His previous work includes leading the Horizon 2020 project Lifepath, which explored social differentials in healthy ageing. The lecture was a testament to his continued commitment to advancing the field of environmental epidemiology and his valuable contributions to the study of ageing and health.
Pictured: Professors Rose Anne Kenny, Paolo Vineis and Cathal McCrory
Looking Ahead
The insights shared by Professor Vineis offer a valuable perspective on the integration of environmental and social factors in health research. The lecture underscored the importance of ongoing innovation and collaboration in environmental epidemiology and highlighted the need for continued investment in research to bridge existing gaps.