Robert A. Hiatt

Robert A. Hiatt is a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He also serves as Associate Director for Population Science at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on cancer epidemiology, particularly breast cancer, prevention strategies, health disparities, and environmental exposures. Dr. Hiatt has held leadership roles, including Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, and has advised global health initiatives in Ethiopia, Puerto Rico, and Tanzania.

Education: MD from the University of Michigan and PhD in Epidemiology from UC Berkeley.

Research Interests: Cancer epidemiology, social determinants of health, environmental and occupational exposures, global oncology, and cancer prevention policies. He pioneered the UCSF doctoral program in Epidemiology & Translational Science and contributed to NIH-funded initiatives addressing health equity.

Key Contributions: Developed the Paradigm II Model for breast cancer etiology, led studies on tobacco industry influence on research, and explored climate change impacts on cancer care. He chairs the National Academy of Sciences Board of Environmental Studies and Toxicology.

Awards: Lilienfeld Award (American College of Epidemiology), Past President of the American Society for Preventive Oncology, and recognition for advancing global cancer research and policy.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Athena Breast Health Network and the UCSF Cancer Center’s outreach programs, emphasizing community engagement and catchment area strategies for cancer control.