Policy Results

Two older people sit by a lake.

Michigan's a great place to grow older, say those who are doing it

More than a third of Michigan’s 10 million people are over 50, and a new poll shows that 82% of them see the state as a good to excellent place to live as they grow older. The new data from the Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging could help inform Michigan policymakers and organizations as they work to serve the needs of older Michiganders now and in the future.

Fred Upton, far right, and others on a tour of the Museum of Zoology

National biodefense leaders call for coordination and stable public health support

The University of Michigan hosted the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense for campus discussions on strengthening US preparedness for biological threats. Leaders highlighted the need for sustained federal leadership, stable research funding, and bipartisan action. Speakers urged One Health coordination, clearer public communication, and updated biodefense strategy to protect supply chains and counter outbreaks.

Illustration of the University of Michigan School of Public Health

On the Heights: April 2026

April highlights include a special report on brain health, research on the impact of Michigan’s nutrition assistance programs, and awards for faculty and staff across departments.

Paula Lantz

Paula Lantz retires from the University of Michigan

During her 28-year tenure, Lantz taught and mentored more than 3,000 students and postdoctoral fellows and led major policy-relevant research initiatives.

Paula Lantz, whose work has helped shape national conversations about social determinants of health, will retire from the University of Michigan on May 31, 2026.