Neal Benowitz

Dr. Neal L. Benowitz is Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he served as a leading expert in clinical pharmacology, toxicology, and internal medicine. A pioneering figure in the field of nicotine research, Benowitz has made significant contributions to understanding the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and health effects of nicotine and tobacco use. His work has shaped public health policies and regulatory frameworks related to tobacco control and smoking cessation.

Dr. Benowitz earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed his residency and fellowship training in internal medicine and clinical pharmacology at UCSF. He joined the UCSF faculty in the 1970s, where he spent decades conducting landmark research on nicotine addiction, secondhand smoke, and tobacco product regulation. His research has been instrumental in establishing the scientific basis for tobacco harm reduction and for developing biomarkers to assess exposure to tobacco-related toxicants.

Throughout his career, Benowitz has advised numerous national and international health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). He served on the FDA's Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) and has authored or co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on the pharmacology of nicotine and tobacco dependence.

In recognition of his profound impact on public health and science, Dr. Benowitz has received numerous honors, including the Alton Ochsner Award for his outstanding contributions to tobacco research.