Perry N. Halkitis

Perry N. Halkitis is the Dean and Distinguished Professor of Biostatistics and Urban-Global Public Health at the Rutgers School of Public Health. He also holds the title of Professor Emeritus at New York University's College of Global Public Health. His research focuses on biobehavioral, psychological, and public health issues affecting LGBTQ+ populations, particularly HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and mental health. Halkitis is a globally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Behavioral Medicine and Founding Editor-in-Chief of Annals of LGBTQ Public and Population Health.

Education and Background: Halkitis holds degrees in epidemiology, applied statistics, psychology, and education. His career spans three decades, with over 300 peer-reviewed publications and six authored books, including The AIDS Generation and Out in Time. He has received numerous awards, including the Placek Award and fellowships from prestigious organizations like the American Psychological Association.

Research and Contributions: Halkitis leads the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), focusing on synergistic epidemics of HIV, drug abuse, and mental health. His work includes longitudinal studies on LGBTQ+ health, such as Project P18 and Project GOLD II. He has advised the New Jersey government on pandemic response, including contact tracing during the COVID-19 crisis.

Awards and Recognition: Halkitis has been honored with the NJBIZ Health Care Power 50 award multiple times and received the Hermes Expo Hippocratic Award. In 2023, he was endowed with the Perry N Halkitis Chair in LGBTQ+ Public Health at Rutgers.

Public Engagement: Halkitis frequently appears in media to discuss public health issues, including LGBTQ+ health, pandemic response, and HIV/AIDS advocacy. He actively disseminates research through TV, radio, and podcasts, emphasizing science-based policy and health equity.