Catherine Troisi elected Chair-Elect of the International Network of Epidemiology in Policy

Catherine L. Troisi, PhD, professor in the Divisions of Management, Policy, and Community Health and Epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, has been elected Chair-Elect of the International Network of Epidemiology in Policy (INEP), an organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based public health policy worldwide.

Troisi has been actively involved with INEP for more than 15 years, initially representing the Epidemiology Workgroup of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). In 2023, she was elected to INEP’s Executive Board as membership chair. Her new role as Chair-Elect, which began in May, positions her to assume the role of Chair in spring 2026.

“Good policy that promotes and educates about public health is critical, especially in today’s political climate,” said Troisi. “INEP provides a global platform to develop and disseminate thoughtful, evidence-based policies on pressing public health issues.”

INEP is a global alliance of representatives from approximately 20 public health organizations, including epidemiologists from across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. As part of her leadership goals, Troisi aims to increase participation from underrepresented regions, particularly in Africa and South America. She notes that time zone challenges have been a barrier to broader participation and the organization is exploring solutions such as rotating meeting times and asynchronous engagement options.

Troisi’s contributions to INEP include leading a policy brief on vaccine hesitancy—an issue affecting nations around the globe—which will be published on the organization’s website and submitted to JAMA. Additional policies under development include those focused on climate change and health, academic freedom, and a guide to epidemiologic terms for use by journalists.

Members of the INEP community can propose new policy topics and contribute their expertise through temporary appointments to the Board. “If there are public health issues you’re passionate about, I encourage you to get involved,” Troisi added.

Learn more about INEP at epidemiologyinpolicy.org.