The Institute of Public Health (IPH) was established at the American College of Greece (ACG) in January 2016 under the direction of Professor Panagiotis Behrakis.

The IPH- ACG builds on a program that is funded by the “Behrakis Foundation” based in Boston, MA. The program initially began in 2009 with the same funder and was based on the collaboration between the Harvard School of Public Health and the Hellenic Cancer Society (H.E.A.R.T. program).

The main purpose of the IPH is to increase public awareness on routine and emerging public health topics. Specifically, the Institute develops scientific research and educational activities. In addition, organizes an annual series of lectures on Public Health delivered by leading scientific experts. The lectures are addressed to the general public, especially parents and school teachers but also to healthcare professionals and other scientists.

A major goal of the Institute is to reduce smoking prevalence in Greece, especially among youth. To fulfill this purpose the IPH in alliance with the “George D. Behrakis Research Lab” of the Hellenic Cancer Society, supports the “Smoke Free Greece” campaign, a smoking prevention initiative that includes educational seminars and school-based programs in Athens, Thessaloniki and Tegaia, conferences, research and scholarly publications.