Carl Cranor, distinguished professor emeritus of philosophy, has received the 2026 Ramazzini Award for his contributions to safeguarding public health.
The Collegium Ramazzini, which presents the award, is an international academy of physicians, scientists, and other experts dedicated to understanding and preventing diseases and injuries caused by workplace and environmental hazards, such as exposure to toxins.
“Professor Cranor’s work has helped protect and save countless lives, advance workers’ rights and environmental justice, and inspire hundreds of students and colleagues through his principled, visionary leadership,” according to the award citation.
Both the award and the organization are named for Bernardino Ramazzini, an Italian physician of the 17th and early 18th centuries who is widely regarded as the father of occupational medicine.
The award was conferred by the mayor of Carpi, Italy — Ramazzini’s birthplace — during the collegium’s annual gathering in the city, which was held Oct. 22-25.
“It was the honor of my life and terrific recognition of the significance of my work,” said Cranor, who delivered a lecture at the conference on bridging science and law to enhance public health.
Drawing on his interdisciplinary background in philosophy, mathematics, physics, and law, Cranor has helped translate complex scientific findings into policies and legal arguments aimed at protecting public health.
He has served on numerous state and national scientific advisory panels, addressing issues ranging from chemical exposure and nanotechnology to environmental regulation. His research and expert contributions to major lawsuits, including litigation related to Agent Orange, benzene exposure, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, have helped courts evaluate scientific evidence in cases of environmental harm.
Cranor has also written extensively about the shortcomings of chemical regulation, the legal challenges faced by people harmed by toxic substances, and the ethical responsibilities of governments to prevent disease.
His most recent book, “Vital Lives: Social Responsibility and the Battle Against Chronic Disease” (2026), examines the causes and societal consequences of chronic illness.
Cranor was elected a fellow of the Collegium Ramazzini in 2003.