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About EPA

About the Office of Research and Development (ORD)

The Office of Research and Development (ORD) is the scientific research arm of EPA. Its leading-edge research informs Agency decisions and supports the emerging needs of EPA stakeholders, including the Agency’s state, tribal, and community partners.  On September 30, 2019, ORD restructured for the first time in 25 years to better address the increasingly complex environmental challenges of the 21st century.

The new structure:

  • Increases the number of staff members dedicated to EPA's science priorities
  • Better integrates scientific approaches to environmental challenges
  • Better supports mission- and customer-focused solutions 
  • Creates communities of practice within the organization

On This Page:

What We Do
Management
Research Programs
Offices and Centers
Locations

What We Do

ORD conducts the research for EPA that provides the foundation for credible decision-making to safeguard human health and ecosystems from environmental pollutants. ORD's work is organized into six research programs that identify the most pressing environmental health research needs with input from Agency offices, partners, and stakeholders. Our Strategic Research Action Plans updated every few years outline the research underway in the programs. ORD Offices and Centers are situated in 10 facilities across the country. We also serve as the Agency’s National Program Manager for Regional Laboratories.

Learn more about:

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Management

Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science; EPA Science Advisor 


David Dunlap, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science Policy


Chris Robbins, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management


Bruce Rodan, Associate Director for Science

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Research Programs

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Offices and Centers​

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Locations

Mailing addresses and phone numbers for ORD facilities

We conduct research in 10 locations across the US.

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