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Quick Summary

The CDC Office of Science (OS) leads the agency's efforts to use science, data, and innovation to protect public health
OS ensures CDC's work is grounded in strong evidence, rigorous research, and transparent communication
The office supports CDC scientists, coordinates research across programs, and shares findings with the public and partners
By advancing scientific excellence, OS helps CDC respond faster and smarter to health threats

What Is the Office of Science?

The Office of Science (OS) is a central part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its mission is simple but powerful:

Use the best science to protect health, prevent disease, and save lives.

What OS Does

Guides CDC's overall scientific strategy and priorities
Ensures research and data meet high standards of quality and integrity
Supports scientists across CDC with training, tools, and resources
Coordinates science activities across different CDC programs and centers
Shares scientific findings with healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public

Why This Matters

Public health decisions affect millions of people. When those decisions are based on strong, transparent science:
- Interventions work better and reach more people
- Resources are used wisely and effectively
- Communities can trust the guidance they receive
- CDC can respond faster to new or emerging health threats

Leadership: Guiding Science at CDC

The Office of Science is led by a team of experienced public health experts who oversee CDC's scientific direction.

Key Leadership Roles

Role	Focus Area
Director, Office of Science	Sets overall scientific strategy and priorities for CDC
Deputy Directors	Support cross-agency coordination and special initiatives
Chief Science Officer	Ensures scientific rigor and integrity across CDC programs
Senior Advisors	Provide expertise in areas like epidemiology, laboratory science, and health communication

These leaders work together to:
- Align CDC's science with national public health goals
- Promote collaboration across CDC centers and external partners
- Advocate for evidence-based policies and practices
- Foster a culture of innovation, equity, and continuous learning

About the Office of the Director

The Office of the Director within OS provides strategic support to help CDC achieve its mission.

Core Functions

Strategic Planning: Helps set CDC's long-term scientific goals and track progress
Science Policy: Develops guidance on research ethics, data sharing, and scientific communication
Quality Assurance: Ensures CDC studies and reports meet rigorous standards
Innovation Support: Encourages new approaches to public health challenges
Workforce Development: Invests in training and retaining top scientific talent

How This Helps You

When CDC's science is well-coordinated and high-quality:
- Health recommendations are clearer and more reliable
- Outbreak responses are faster and more targeted
- Research findings translate into real-world solutions more quickly
- Public trust in health guidance remains strong

Offices and Divisions Within the Office of Science

The Office of Science includes specialized teams that focus on different aspects of public health science.

Key Teams and Their Work

Science Policy and Planning

Develops CDC-wide science strategies and priorities
Coordinates research agendas across programs
Tracks progress toward scientific goals

Scientific Integrity and Ethics

Ensures CDC research follows ethical standards
Protects the objectivity and transparency of CDC science
Provides guidance on conflicts of interest and data use

Laboratory Science and Innovation

Advances laboratory methods for detecting and studying pathogens
Supports modernization of public health labs nationwide
Promotes adoption of new technologies like genomic sequencing

Data Science and Analytics

Strengthens CDC's ability to collect, analyze, and share health data
Develops tools for real-time disease tracking and prediction
Ensures data is accessible while protecting privacy

Health Communication and Translation

Turns complex science into clear, actionable messages
Supports effective communication with diverse audiences
Evaluates how well health messages reach and influence people

Workforce Development and Training

Provides scientific training for CDC staff and partners
Supports early-career scientists through fellowships and mentorship
Builds capacity in state and local public health agencies

Awards and Recognition

The Office of Science celebrates excellence in public health science through awards and recognition programs.

Types of Awards

Scientific Achievement Awards: Honor outstanding research or innovation
Public Health Impact Awards: Recognize work that has improved community health
Early-Career Scientist Awards: Support emerging leaders in public health
Team Excellence Awards: Celebrate collaborative efforts that advance CDC's mission

Why Awards Matter

They motivate scientists to pursue high-impact work
They highlight role models for the next generation of public health professionals
They share success stories that inspire continued innovation
They reinforce CDC's commitment to scientific excellence

How the Office of Science Supports Public Health

During Emergencies

When outbreaks or health crises occur, OS helps CDC:
- Rapidly mobilize scientific expertise and resources
- Coordinate research across teams and partners
- Ensure guidance is based on the best available evidence
- Communicate findings clearly and consistently

For Routine Public Health Work

OS strengthens everyday public health by:
- Setting standards for research quality and ethics
- Supporting data systems that track health trends
- Training scientists in new methods and technologies
- Connecting CDC research to community needs

For the Future

OS is preparing CDC to meet tomorrow's challenges by:
- Investing in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and precision public health
- Building partnerships with academia, industry, and global health organizations
- Promoting equity so all communities benefit from scientific advances
- Encouraging adaptive, learning-focused approaches to complex problems

How You Can Engage with CDC Science

For the Public

Stay informed through CDC's science-based health resources
Participate in public health research when opportunities arise
Share accurate health information with your community
Provide feedback on CDC materials to help improve communication

For Healthcare Providers

Use CDC guidelines and tools to support patient care
Report notifiable diseases and participate in surveillance systems
Partner with CDC on research or quality improvement projects
Share clinical insights that can inform public health practice

For Researchers and Students

Explore CDC funding opportunities and fellowships
Access CDC data and resources for scientific study
Collaborate with CDC scientists on public health research
Contribute to scientific publications and conferences

For Community Organizations

Partner with CDC on health promotion or prevention initiatives
Help translate scientific findings into culturally relevant messages
Advocate for evidence-based policies in your area
Connect community needs with CDC research priorities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Office of Science and other CDC centers?

The Office of Science focuses on cross-cutting scientific strategy, quality, and coordination. Other CDC centers (like the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases) focus on specific health topics. OS helps ensure all CDC work meets high scientific standards.

How does CDC ensure its science is unbiased and trustworthy?

CDC follows strict policies on scientific integrity, including peer review, transparency in methods, disclosure of conflicts of interest, and public access to data when possible. The Office of Science oversees these practices.

Can the public access CDC research and data?

Yes. CDC publishes research in scientific journals, shares data through public portals, and provides free health resources on cdc.gov. Some data are restricted to protect privacy, but CDC strives for maximum transparency.

How does CDC decide which research to prioritize?

Research priorities are set based on public health need, potential impact, scientific opportunity, and available resources. The Office of Science helps coordinate this process across CDC.

How can I suggest a research idea or share feedback?

CDC welcomes input from the public. You can contact CDC through cdc.gov, participate in public comment periods for guidelines, or reach out to specific programs with questions or suggestions.

Learn More

Explore CDC Science

Stay Updated

Sign up for CDC email updates on topics that matter to you
Follow CDC on social media for science highlights and health tips
Review CDC's annual science reports and strategic plans

Connect with Crestwood General

At Crestwood General, we believe informed communities are healthier communities. We share science-based health information to help you make confident decisions about your well-being.

Visit crestwoodgeneral.com to explore patient resources, learn about preventive care, or connect with our team.