Official website of Dr Irfan Rahman
Ranked in top 0.03% of Research Scholars in the world
Born in Bhopal, India (brought up in Kamptee, Nagpur, India) is an American environmental health and disease researcher and Dean’s Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he also directs the Center for Flavoring Toxicology. He is an internationally recognized leader in Environmental Health and Disease Researcher and inhalation toxicology, with expertise in oxidative stress, redox biology, COPD, IPF (ILD), tobacco smoke, e-cigarette, flavoring, lung aging, and environmental exposures, and is widely known for his inventions and research in pulmonary toxicology and lung diseases
Distinguished member
Featured On
Achievements in Numbers
65,000+
Citations
375+
Total Publications
30+
Awards & Honors
25+
Book chapters
20+
Years of U.S. federal funding
20+
Editorial roles in journals
16th
Rank worldwide
15+
Years of scientific leadership
15+
Years teaching experience
3+
Major patents
In the news
Updates
Upcoming Conferences
65th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo
Respiratory Innovation Summit
Inhaled Particles And International Particle Toxicology Conference
14th International Conference on Environmental Mutagens
The 12th Biennial Meeting
Video
How Can I Talk to My Patients About Vaping?
What Happens When You Vape?
URMC vaping research video
Rahman Lab Lung Aging and Disease Research
Aging/Cellular Senescence Research : Rahman Lab (URMC)
Flavored Tobacco research (E-cig)- Rahman Lab [URMC]
Books & Chapters
Editorial Leadership in Scientific Publishing
Dr. Rahman has contributed extensively to scholarly literature through a major co-edited Elsevier volume and numerous high-impact book chapters spanning oxidative stress, COPD, IPF (ILD), asthma, lung aging, tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes/vaping
- 1 major co-edited scientific book published by Elsevier
- 25 book chapters authored across top global scientific publishers
- 10+ major international publishers represented in his chapter contributions
- 15+ years of contributions to scholarly book literature (2002–2013+)
Edited Book
Inflammation, Advancing Age and Nutrition
Research and Clinical Interventions
- 1st Edition - September 3, 2013
- Latest edition
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Editors: Irfan Rahman, Debasis Bagch
- Language: English
- eBook ISBN: 9780123978073
Description
The book provides a comprehensive overview to understanding the integrated impact of the concepts of cellular and molecular aspects, models, environmental factors, and lifestyle involved in premature aging. Additionally, it examines how functional food, dietary nutraceuticals or pharmacological compounds can reverse inflammation and premature aging based on personalized medicine. This book is a valuable resource for health professionals, scientists and researchers, nutritionists, health practitioners, students and for all those who wish to broaden their knowledge in the allied field.
Research Impact
Global Leader in Environmental & Inhalation Toxicology
Dr. Rahman’s research spans oxidative stress, COPD, lung aging, e-cigarettes/vaping toxicology, and redox biology. His work is internationally recognized for shaping modern understanding of chronic lung disease and environmental exposures.
- 30+ major awards for scientific discovery, including SOT and ATS honors
- 65,000+ citations and H-index: 122 (Google Scholar)
- 3× Highly Cited Researcher (Thomson Reuters / Clarivate, 2014–2016)
- Ranked #16 worldwide in Respiratory & Allergy (Ioannidis global ranking) and among the top 0.1% of scientists globally
- 20+ years of federally funded research (NIH, NIEHS, NHLBI, VA collaborations)
Research Topics
Includes cigarette smoke, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, waterpipe, IQOS, vaping chemicals, aerosols, and inhaled environmental exposures.
Work on ROS, antioxidant pathways, Nrf2, redox signaling, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and redox-driven lung pathology.
Mechanisms of COPD progression, premature lung aging, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, immune dysfunction.
Disruption of electron transport chain, mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, mitophagy.
Role of SIRTs, HDACs, histone modifications, DNA methylation, microRNAs, chromatin architecture in lung disease.
Toxicity of flavoring chemicals, vitamin E acetate, MCT oils, solvents, aerosols, biomarkers of EVALI, and regulatory science for vaping.
Salivary, circulating, and exosomal biomarkers; miRNA signatures; lipidomics; disease diagnostics for COPD, IPF, and vaping injury.
Innate immunity, macrophage activation, cytokine networks, inflammasome pathways in chronic lung disease.
Toxicological evaluation of inhaled flavorings, oral nicotine pouches, Δ8-THC, synthetic nicotine, and 6-methyl nicotine.
Research supporting regulatory frameworks, risk assessment, public outreach, and environmental health communication.
Environmental Agents, Environmental Pollutants, COPD/Emphysema, IPF (ILD), and Lung Aging
Leadership & Professional Service
Shaping National and International Scientific Direction
Dr. Rahman has held major leadership roles in top scientific societies, contributed extensively to NIH and international grant review systems, and served in influential academic committees. His service record reflects broad recognition of his expertise and trust in his scientific judgment.
- 15+ years of national scientific leadership, including executive roles in the Society of Toxicology (SOT)
- 20+ NIH/NIEHS/VA study sections served as chartered member, standing reviewer, or ad-hoc reviewer
- 20+ international grant agencies reviewed, including UK MRC, Wellcome Trust, INSERM (France), Swiss Cancer League, Hong Kong RGC, and others
- 10+ major academic committees at the University of Rochester, including Tenure & Privilege Committee, Medical Faculty Council, Biosafety Committee, and Animal Research oversight
- 15+ years of leadership in the American Thoracic Society (ATS), including Program Committee roles and Chair of the Lung Aging Research Interest Group
- Grantsmanship, Invited Talks/Lectures/Seminars/Webinars, Grant Reviews, Book chapters, Teaching, Research, and Consultancy
Honored with Dean’s Professor Chair in 2018 by University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY
Professional Society Leadership
Extensive Service Across Global Scientific Organizations
Dr. Rahman has played influential leadership roles in major scientific societies, shaping research directions in toxicology, respiratory science, and environmental health. His service reflects long-standing recognition as a trusted scientific leader nationally and internationally.
- 10+ leadership/committee roles within the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Including:
- 20+ organized symposia, workshops, and scientific sessions across SOT, ATS, and other international conferences (Chair, Co-Chair, Organizer)
- Across 5+ key scientific societies, including SOT, ATS, Oxygen Club of California (OCC), Redox Biology communities, and toxicology networks
- Lifetime Scientific Membership Award recipient (Oxygen Society/OCC) recognizing ongoing contribution to professional societies
SOT, ATS, SFRR leadership roles, Chairman, Chairing committees and conferences
Awards & Honors
Recognized Globally for Pioneering Contributions in Inhalation Toxicology and Lung/Pulmonary Research
Dr. Rahman’s scientific achievements have earned him major national and international awards across toxicology, respiratory science, aging biology, and environmental health. His honors reflect sustained excellence, innovation, and global impact.
- 30+ major awards across toxicology, pulmonary science, environmental health, and oxidative stress research
- 3 major Society of Toxicology awards
- American Thoracic Society (ATS) Scientific Achievement Award (2022) One of the society’s highest recognitions
- Lifetime Achievement Award (India, 2019) National Conference on Stress, Cancer, and Aging
- Lifetime Scientific Membership Award (Oxygen Society/OCC) for outstanding contributions to oxidative stress biology
Teaching, Mentoring & DEI
Dedicated Educator, Mentor, and Advocate for Inclusive Scientific Training
Dr. Rahman has taught core toxicology and respiratory science courses for over a decade, mentored a large and diverse group of trainees, and built a research environment grounded in inclusion, transparency, and respect.
- 15+ years of continuous teaching in graduate toxicology programs
- 30+ postdoctoral fellows supervised, many now holding independent faculty or industry positions
- 14 undergraduate trainees trained in environmental health, toxicology, and molecular biology | Trainees have earned multiple NIH career development awards, including K99/R00, K08, R21, and R01 grants
- Active DEI commitment, fostering a lab culture emphasizing equity, transparency, respect, and multicultural collaboration
- DEI engagement includes outreach and collaboration with underrepresented groups, supporting minority and female trainees
Patents & Translational Innovation
Advancing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tools in Environmental & Lung Health
Dr. Rahman’s translational research has resulted in patented technologies focused on diagnostics for vaping-related injury and therapeutic strategies targeting chronic lung disease. His inventions bridge fundamental science with real-world clinical and regulatory applications.
- 3 major patents in diagnostics & therapeutics
- 1 biomarker-based diagnostic patent for identifying e-cigarette/vaping–associated lung injury (EVALI) (Filed January 26, 2022)
- 2 therapeutic patents targeting chronic lung disease pathways
- 15+ years of translational activity, spanning molecular targets, biomarkers, epigenetic regulators, and inhalation toxicology innovations
- Applications impact multiple diseases, including: COPD Chronic inflammatory lung disease Vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) Disorders linked to SIRT/HDAC dysregulation
Contact for Professional Services
