Partnering

The HNRCA was established with the first appropriation of funds in 1977 as a partnership between USDA and Tufts University with a mission to explore the relationship between nutrition and the prevention of major chronic degenerative conditions associated with the aging process. The HNRCA is currently administered by USDA/ARS in partnership with Tufts University via a Memorandum of Agreement and through funded Agreements for the research effort and research support services onsite with an annual appropriation.

The building is sited on ? acre of Federal property adjacent to the Tufts University Medical campus in downtown Boston. The 200,000 sq ft, 14 story facility houses approximately 10 ARS employees and nearly 300 Tufts University personnel, including at least 44 scientists divided into 22 research laboratories. Scientists are conducting cell and molecular biology, animal and human metabolic and field studies to determine means by which diet, in combination with genetic and environmental factors like exercise, may promote healthy aging through nutrition research.

All research in the HNRCA supports the research mission of the USDA/ARS Human Nutrition National Program (NP107) as identified in the Action Plan and ARS Strategic Plan for 2006-2011, Objective 5.2: Promote Healthier Eating Habits and Lifestyles. The center also supports NP107 through interactions with National Program staff and collaboration with other locations. All of the 14 HNRCA CRIS projects, representing 22 total labs with independent project plans were approved via the Office of Scientific Quality Review process.

The HNRCA is the largest research center in the world devoted to the study of the role of nutrition in the prevention of age-related chronic diseases. Center accomplishments over the past 30 years have greatly contributed to knowledge of the importance that nutrition and exercise play in the prevention of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, bone disease, and conditions which affect the eye, brain, and kidneys. Research conducted at the HNRCA has contributed preventive nutrition solutions for chronic health problems such as osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, diabetes, cancer and most frequently, obesity. Pioneering work by HNRCA scientists has also furthered our knowledge of nutrient bioavailability, nutrient requirements, and prevention of muscle loss through aging with nutrition and exercise among many other accomplishments. This work is supported through a variety of grant funding sources.

HNRCA research has enormously influenced public health in this country by providing the foundation for establishing nutrition policy and guidance such as the Recommended Dietary Allowances and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently HNRCA investigators are also providing key findings contributing to the understanding of obesity and the role of nutrients in gene expression as well as the role of genetic inheritance in defining nutrient requirements and the variability of dietary responses. With this knowledge scientists will be able in the future to create diets that will optimize the health of individuals. Such dietary recommendations will ultimately have significant impact in reducing medical care costs and improving quality of life. The cutting edge research efforts in progress have the HNRCA poised to continue in the forefront of nutrition science research.