Leading epidemiologists meet April 17 for a panel discussion open to the public.

Recent scientific studies claim to demonstrate a link between architectural lighting and cancer growth. But how much light may actually put a person at risk? Does light affect the health of individuals differently? Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center (LRC) will host a panel discussion with leading epidemiologists and lighting scientists to discuss whether architectural lighting has an impact on the incidence of cancer, specifically breast cancer growth. The panel will meet Monday, April 17, 2006, from 3-5 p.m. at the Heffner Alumni House on the Rensselaer campus in Troy, New York.

The panelists include Julia Knight, Ph.D., University of Toronto; Eva Schernhammer, M.D., Dr.PH., Harvard Medical School; Richard Stevens, Ph.D., University of Connecticut Health Center; and Mariana Figueiro, Ph.D., Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer.

“We welcome the public to join us for this important discussion as we help shape the course of future research into the effects of lighting on health,” said Mark Rea, Ph.D., LRC director, who will kick off the event with opening remarks.

The panel discussion will be moderated by John Bullough, Ph.D., Rensselaer adjunct assistant professor and LRC lighting scientist. For more information on the two-hour seminar, please visit the event Web site.

About the Lighting Research Center
The Lighting Research Center (LRC) is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N.Y., and is the leading university-based research center devoted to lighting. The LRC offers the world's premier graduate education in lighting, including one- and two-year master's programs and a Ph.D. program. Since 1988 the LRC has built an international reputation as a reliable source for objective information about lighting technologies, applications, and products. The LRC also provides training programs for government agencies, utilities, contractors, lighting designers, and other lighting professionals. Visit www.lrc.rpi.edu.

Contact: Mary Cimo
Phone: (518) 687-7174
E-mail: cimom@rpi.edu