ASPPH Launches IDEA Institute to Advance Innovation, Discovery, and Excellence in Academic Public Health  

July 10, 2025

(Washington, DC)— The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) is proud to announce the launch of the IDEA Institute—Innovation, Discovery, and Excellence in Academia—a new initiative designed to support transformative teaching, research, and leadership in academic public health. 

The IDEA Institute will serve as a national clearinghouse for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), curating peer-reviewed tools, resources, and thought leadership that align with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) competencies and center on equity, student success, and institutional excellence. 

“The IDEA Institute represents our collective commitment to reimagining public health education for the 21st century,” said Dr. Laura Magaña, ASPPH President and CEO. “It’s a platform built not only to share knowledge, but to foster innovation, collaboration, and inclusive excellence at every level of academia.” 

With the launch of the Institute, ASPPH is also introducing ARIE, an AI Resource for Institutional Excellence—a first-of-its-kind AI-powered tool developed with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS). ARIE functions as a digital teaching assistant and equity-minded advisor, helping faculty, staff, and students explore evidence-based resources and integrate them into real-time learning and institutional planning. 

The IDEA Institute brings together work from across ASPPH’s strategic initiative sand expert panels, including recommendations focused on:

• Gun Violence Prevention 

• Climate Change and Health 

• Dismantling Structural Racism 

• Inclusive Excellence in Public Health Education 

• Healthy Longevity 

• Public Health Leadership 

• AI in Public Health and more 

Designed to be interactive and evolving, the Institute will also feature a Faculty Portal, upcoming webinars, and opportunities for members to contribute resources, share stories, and receive recognition for their contributions to public health education. 

For more information, visit: https://aspph.org/our-work/idea-institute/ and Meet ARIE.

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