For the first time in the history of this country, the present generation of children is likely to be less healthy than their parents. Concerning as this may be, it portends an even more serious state of affairs for the next generation of children- the children of 2030.

The last century saw a dramatic advancement of science and knowledge that led to the reduction, and even elimination, of the causes of death, disability, and impaired health and development that have plagued the people of this country, and the world since recorded history. Antibiotics, chemotherapy, and immunizations have greatly increased longevity and quality of life. Remarkable technology, and the advanced understanding of human development and human behavior and biology, have substantially improved our understanding of disease. These accomplishments involved the input of many in the fields of science, health, social science, engineering, and political science, among others, and have lead to a perceived optimism for the future. Yet, these advancements and their contributions have been superceded by a new and even more complex set of issues and challenges.

These challenges are very different from the past. Rather than infectious disease and known factors that led to ill-health, we are faced with issues of life style, cultural patterns and values, a changing social and physical environment, and significant maldistribution of resources that are resulting in circumstances that put all of us, and particularly our children, at great risk. This is clearly demonstrated by the serious increases in rates and levels of obesity, respiratory diseases such as asthma, violence and its physical and emotional consequences, persistent and even widening disparities in health for people of color and those living in poverty, increasing rates of cognitive and developmental disabilities, complex mental health diseases - circumstances that are reversing the gains of the last century. The result is an impending decline in physical and emotional health, ability to function, quality of life, and continued human advancement; a legacy none of us want to leave for future generations. Just as one example, the rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity alone is likely to lead to consequences for individuals and society that dwarf the effects of major health issues of the past such as smoking and life threatening infection.

While we most certainly need to address the current circumstances, we know from experience that it will take decades or more. We have not yet developed the science, nor have we implemented the public policy to adequately address these new challenges and issues. The knowledge we must yet acquire is considerable. However, we must be forward thinking. We have the capacity to determine what we must do to change course. We have the academicians, scientists, students and institutions with the resources and capacity to accumulate the needed knowledge and translate it into action and public policy. Now is the time to start if we are to change the outlook for the children of 2030.

The Tufts University Center for Children has elevated this agenda to its highest priority. It will require enlisting the skills, talent, knowledge and energy of the faculty and students from across the institution to develop strategic partnerships with communities, policy makers, funders, corporate leaders, and other academic institutions to address these challenges. As these complex issues will not have simple solutions, the insights and participation from a broad range of perspectives are needed.

While we cannot realistically undertake everything that is contributing to the declining health and well being of our children, focusing on one or several conditions should provide the knowledge and skills applicable to the broader set of issues. Success in understanding and addressing a few will establish the strategies for dealing with the bigger picture. Again, using obesity as an example, successful strategies must involve elements related to culture and values, economics, corporate behavior, personal and group behavior and values, education, social structure, safety, mental health, human biology, and the environment. An interdisciplinary approach is key. These are the same elements that effect violence, asthma, poor educational outcomes, and most of the other specific issues that make up the landscape facing our children. Focused efforts that are realistic in scope and quantifiable in terms of progress and outcome create the base for a far greater impact.

This vision emphasizes the central role of Tufts University, with its overriding commitment to civic responsibility and high quality science in an effort to make the world a better place. By establishing a forward thinking and meaningful agenda, creating an integrated effort involving both basic and applied science, creating a coordinated opportunity for all members of the academic community (faculty, students, administrators) to participate as active citizens, recognizing the unique strengths that the academy brings to the community, and acknowledging the partnerships needed between academia, the public and private sectors, and policy-making leadership, Tufts University will make a difference for the children of 2030.