Sandro Galea Honored with the 2026 Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award
On April 23, 2026, the CDC Foundation announced that Dr. Sandro Galea, a distinguished population health scientist and physician, is the recipient of the 2026 Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award. This accolade, first established in 1992, recognizes outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to health education and promotion. The award was presented during the annual gathering of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), where Dr. Galea also took the stage to deliver a keynote lecture. His recognition comes at a time when effective communication in public health is more crucial than ever.
Dr. Galea has emerged as a leading voice in public health discourse, illuminating the social and structural factors impacting health outcomes. Judy Monroe, MD, the president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, praised Dr. Galea's ability to distill complex issues into accessible narratives that resonate across various platforms. She remarked, "Dr. Galea has helped broaden understanding of the social and structural factors that shape health. His research and clear communication have guided approaches to enhance population health."
Currently serving as the Margaret C. Ryan Dean at Washington University School of Public Health, Dr. Galea has previously held notable positions at esteemed institutions such as Boston University and Columbia University. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as one of the most visible communicators in public health, actively translating intricate scientific evidence into formats that engage diverse audiences.
Dr. Galea’s work does not merely remain confined to academic journals; he has authored numerous books, penned opinion pieces, and participated in media discussions, sharing insights on platforms ranging from digital media to public speaking engagements. He has notably popularized the term "consequential epidemiology," indicating that public health research should play a pivotal role in shaping actionable policies. His influential newsletter, "The Healthiest Goldfish," serves as a weekly reflection on pressing public health matters while examining the underlying social, political, and ethical factors at play.
Jonathan Samet, MD, professor at the Colorado School of Public Health, who nominated Dr. Galea for the award, stated, "He provides clear and balanced analysis of the most intricate issues affecting population health, reaching an audience well beyond the academic community. By advocating for what he refers to as 'consequential epidemiology,' Dr. Galea demonstrates how academic research can inspire actionable outcomes for improving health."
An esteemed researcher with over 1,100 peer-reviewed papers, and author or editor of 25 books, Dr. Galea’s interdisciplinary expertise spans social and psychiatric epidemiology, particularly examining the behavioral health effects of trauma. His accolades include lifetime achievement awards from prominent organizations such as the American Public Health Association. Furthermore, Dr. Galea is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves as editor-in-chief of JAMA Health Forum.
Named in memory of Elizabeth Fries, a renowned psychology professor from Virginia Commonwealth University, the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award highlights significant efforts in health education through program development, policy advocacy, and research. Each award winner receives a $50,000 prize, with presentations conducted annually at the SOPHE conference, which attracts around 900 health education researchers, practitioners, and students each year.
The CDC Foundation collaborates with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation to manage and fund the award. This partnership exemplifies the foundation’s mission to honor and recognize individuals making substantial contributions to public health. The CDC Foundation plays a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and partnerships to strengthen the public health system, focusing on impactful collaboration to improve health outcomes globally. Their commitment manifests through initiatives that encourage health promotion and education, vital components in addressing public health challenges today.
Dr. Galea has emerged as a leading voice in public health discourse, illuminating the social and structural factors impacting health outcomes. Judy Monroe, MD, the president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, praised Dr. Galea's ability to distill complex issues into accessible narratives that resonate across various platforms. She remarked, "Dr. Galea has helped broaden understanding of the social and structural factors that shape health. His research and clear communication have guided approaches to enhance population health."
Currently serving as the Margaret C. Ryan Dean at Washington University School of Public Health, Dr. Galea has previously held notable positions at esteemed institutions such as Boston University and Columbia University. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as one of the most visible communicators in public health, actively translating intricate scientific evidence into formats that engage diverse audiences.
Dr. Galea’s work does not merely remain confined to academic journals; he has authored numerous books, penned opinion pieces, and participated in media discussions, sharing insights on platforms ranging from digital media to public speaking engagements. He has notably popularized the term "consequential epidemiology," indicating that public health research should play a pivotal role in shaping actionable policies. His influential newsletter, "The Healthiest Goldfish," serves as a weekly reflection on pressing public health matters while examining the underlying social, political, and ethical factors at play.
Jonathan Samet, MD, professor at the Colorado School of Public Health, who nominated Dr. Galea for the award, stated, "He provides clear and balanced analysis of the most intricate issues affecting population health, reaching an audience well beyond the academic community. By advocating for what he refers to as 'consequential epidemiology,' Dr. Galea demonstrates how academic research can inspire actionable outcomes for improving health."
An esteemed researcher with over 1,100 peer-reviewed papers, and author or editor of 25 books, Dr. Galea’s interdisciplinary expertise spans social and psychiatric epidemiology, particularly examining the behavioral health effects of trauma. His accolades include lifetime achievement awards from prominent organizations such as the American Public Health Association. Furthermore, Dr. Galea is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves as editor-in-chief of JAMA Health Forum.
Named in memory of Elizabeth Fries, a renowned psychology professor from Virginia Commonwealth University, the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award highlights significant efforts in health education through program development, policy advocacy, and research. Each award winner receives a $50,000 prize, with presentations conducted annually at the SOPHE conference, which attracts around 900 health education researchers, practitioners, and students each year.
The CDC Foundation collaborates with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation to manage and fund the award. This partnership exemplifies the foundation’s mission to honor and recognize individuals making substantial contributions to public health. The CDC Foundation plays a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and partnerships to strengthen the public health system, focusing on impactful collaboration to improve health outcomes globally. Their commitment manifests through initiatives that encourage health promotion and education, vital components in addressing public health challenges today.
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