What is HESI ? 

The ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) is a non-profit scientific organization that brings together scientists from around the world from industry, regulatory agencies and other governmental institutions, academia, and other research organizations to address scientific questions that have the potential to be resolved through creative application of intellectual and financial resources.  HESI was established in 1989 to provide an international forum to advance the understanding of scientific issues related to human health, toxicology, risk assessment, and the environment.

How does HESI work?

HESI’s scientific programs are conducted by committees that organize, support, and execute collaborative laboratory research programs, workshops, conferences, literature reviews, the development and analysis of databases, etc.  These committees disseminate the products of their activities through peer-reviewed journals, monographs, and other print- and web-based publications.

Who is eligible for membership in HESI?

Corporate membership in HESI is open to business entities that are producers of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agricultural and other industrial chemicals, paper products, personal care and household products, or food and beverages.  Membership dues are based on annual worldwide sales of the joining organization.  Individuals and trade associations may not become members of HESI.

If I am in the public sector, how can I get involved with HESI?

Individuals from the academic sector, government agencies, research institutions, or foundations may participate on HESI committees, expert groups, steering committees, or as advisors and trustees.  There is no cost to public sector individuals who wish to engage as active participants in HESI programs. 

What are the benefits of participating in HESI?

HESI’s scientific programs offer a unique opportunity to collaborate with scientists in industry, leading academics, and public sector regulatory and research scientists.  The convergence of pooled intellectual and financial resources with diverse experience and perspectives provides an unequalled platform for the generation of cutting-edge science that is responsive to today’s most pressing research and application needs.  HESI’s programs are repeatedly cited as singular forums for addressing complex issues in toxicology and risk assessment.

If I join HESI, can I select the activities in which I participate?  

Member companies may opt to join as many HESI subcommittees, project committees or technical committees as they wish.  HESI members may participate on Emerging Issues subcommittees at no charge (above the annual HESI membership contribution).  HESI members may participate on technical committees and project committees by paying the annual assessment for that Committee. 

Scientists from the public sector are invited to participate on HESI committees at no charge.  Interested parties should contact the scientific project manager for more information on engaging in a specific activity.

What are my responsibilities as a member of HESI? 

Active engagement in one or more HESI subcommittees, project committees, or technical committees is strongly encouraged.  Involvement in HESI’s scientific programs typically requires participation on teleconferences and attendance at project meetings.  Participants may also provide ‘in-kind’ contributions in the form of leadership, technical writing, serving as speakers or representatives of the project at external scientific forums, and/or participation in novel experimental or research programs.

How do HESI activities benefit science?

HESI’s annual issue identification process ensures that the organization addresses issues of importance to a broad and constantly evolving scientific community.  The outcomes of all HESI scientific programs are made publicly available, usually in the peer-reviewed literature.  Additionally, as a result of HESI’s multi-sector approach to scientific issue identification and resolution, HESI projects often result in new and creative approaches to complex science.

What is HESI’s process for identifying issue areas and creating new committees?

New issue areas are identified via an annual survey of the HESI membership and a broad cross-section of the international scientific community.   Anyone is welcome and encouraged to submit a proposed topic.  All topics are reviewed and prioritized by HESI’s Emerging Issues Steering Committee.  Topics given the highest priority (based on relevance to the HESI mission, potential for scientific impact, uniqueness, and achievability) are presented for consideration by the HESI membership at the HESI annual  meeting every January.   During the first quarter of each calendar year, the HESI membership votes to add 1-3 of these new topics to the HESI project portfolio.  New activities are initiated as Emerging Issues subcommittees, and participation on these activities is open to all current and potential future HESI members.  When membership is established and a budget is developed and supported, the subcommittee moves out of the EI process and becomes either a HESI project committee or technical committee. 

How does HESI ensure the scientific integrity and neutrality of its scientific programs and publications?

HESI is committed to undertaking only high quality, technically rigorous research, publications, and activities.  Our combined approach of engaging credible, scientific experts and obtaining a range of perspectives from the public and private sectors results in balanced and sound science.  A rigorous internal peer review process is overseen by the HESI Board of Trustees prior to submission of committee papers, reports, etc., to the peer-reviewed literature.

Where does HESI receive its funding?

Private sector member organizations provide primary financial support for HESI programs, but HESI also receives financial and in-kind support from a variety of U.S. and international public sector regulatory and research agencies.