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Established in 1980, the University of Southern California Institute for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research (IPR) is dedicated to the advancement of interdisciplinary research and education to improve the health and well-being of society. Collectively, the members of IPR have been authors of thousands of scientific articles, books, chapters, and other writings in the field of health promotion and disease prevention. Additionally, IPR maintains the longest running National Cancer Institute T32 research training program. Overall, the USC-IPR is a thriving, dynamic institute that has made significant strides toward promoting health and preventing disease in the population, and expects to continue advancing the field in future years.
Mission of IPR is to engage in scientific research and educational training on the risk and prevention of disease as well as the promotion of health. The long-term goal is to reduce disease risk, eliminate disparities, and to improve the health of diverse populations by: (a) increasing understanding of the epidemiology, determinants, and consequences of disease; (b) conducting field trials to develop and test evidence-based prevention programs; and (c) disseminating model health promotion and disease prevention programs in national and global settings.
Our major research areas are addictions, autoimmune and infectious diseases, health disparities, methodology, obesity, translational, and cancer.
We offer programs (PhD, Postdoctoral programs) in health behavior research, providing academic and research training for students interested in pursuing career opportunities in the field of health promotion and disease prevention research. 
IPR is recognized as international leaders in interdisciplinary research and training in epidemiology and prevention science, and for more than 20 years have developed research and educational programs that have addressed the complex public health needs in local, national and international settings.
Los Angeles is a melting pot of different ethnicity and races which makes it a perfect setting to address public health challenges. Los Angeles City has over 4 million resents. This officially makes LA the most populous city in California and the second-most populous city in the country. LA sits in one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the United States. USC is the largest university residing in East LA, with more than 15,000 graduates. Located in East LA, one of LA’s oldest neighborhoods, IPR’s campus is in the heart of the heritage of Los Angeles.
Dr. Mary Ann Pentz serves as Director of the Institute for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research which is apart of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
