The Institute of Human Nutrition, founded in 1954, is an interdisciplinary unit whose mission is to study all aspects of nutrition that relate to human health. The Institute serves to conduct, coordinate, and lead nutrition research and education activities throughout Columbia University and its affiliated institutions. These activities include basic research, clinical research, public health-preventive medicine programs, and education and training at many levels. A long-standing mission of the Institute is to train individuals for scholarly activities and for positions in universities and research centers that are in the forefront of the movement to advance nutrition as a health science. In addition, the Institute seeks to augment the training of physicians and other health specialists who are interested in emphasizing nutrition in their professions. The Institute functions to coordinate academic nutrition activities being carried out within many administrative units (Faculties, Departments, Centers) within the Columbia University system.

The specific aims of each of these units, the research being conducted within them, and the programs of instruction offered are outlined in other sections of this handbook. Although each unit conducts its own program of research and training, its work is coordinated to achieve two basic goals: conduct research to advance knowledge of nutrition and training in areas of nutrition relevant to the physician and scientist. To achieve this coordination, collaborative research projects among the faculty are frequent, and joint seminars and courses are conducted regularly involving faculty members and students in different departments.

Members of the Institute of Human Nutrition hold appointments in over 18 academic departments and centers within the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, and other divisions of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. These faculty members, in addition to expertise in their own disciplines, have research and teaching interests in the area of human nutrition relevant to the mission of the Institute of Human Nutrition.