Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) awarded a Project Grant of $758,827 to the University of California, Merced on July 10, 2026, under the Environmental Health program (CFDA 93.113) to conduct research on wildfire smoke exposure and its health effects on pregnant individuals and infants. The research project, titled "Wildfire, Health Effects and Solution (WHES)," will operate through April 30, 2031, and aims to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding maternal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke and resulting adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. The project will deliver three primary research products: (1) epidemiological evidence on the mechanisms and toxicological pathways by which wildfire PM2.5 exposure affects pregnant individuals and newborns, with particular focus on vulnerable populations with chronic health conditions; (2) analysis of how human behavioral responses modify wildfire smoke exposure risk; and (3) evaluation of proactive mitigation strategies such as prescribed burning and land management interventions to reduce wildfire emissions at the source and protect maternal and infant health.

The research will be conducted at UC Merced's facility in Merced, California, leveraging the university's research infrastructure and capacity to produce peer-reviewed scientific findings, policy recommendations, and public health guidance intended to improve pregnancy and infant health outcomes during and after wildfire events. As a Hispanic-serving institution, UC Merced will integrate educational components into the research program consistent with NIEHS's emphasis on training and community-engaged research approaches.