The Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS) investigates how health and disease are passed on between generations—not only genetically, but also through social, personal, and environmental surroundings. Studies spanning over 60 years enable CHDS scientists to study health across generations and seek ways to prevent disease early in life.

The goal of the Environmental influences on Child Health outcomes (ECHO) Program is to understand the effects of a broad range of early environmental influences on child health and development. ECHO is dedicated to both learning what factors affect child health and to finding ways to enhance it.