Oregon Research Institute

10/16/2026

ORI Scientist Erica LaFata conducted a study that found over 90% of articles challenging NOVA or defending ultra-processed foods had at least one author with a food industry tie. This study is featured in a recent article in The Examination.

The finding comes as policymakers are grappling with how to handle ultraprocessed foods.

09/25/2026

A new review in the Journal of Sport and Health Science authored by ORI Scientist Fuzhong LI proposes a translational roadmap for turning tai ji quan into a scalable, evidence-based form of exercise medicine for preventing falls among older adults. https://www.ori.org/tai_ji_quan_roadmap_pr_2026/

09/18/2026

ORI Scientist Erica LaFata recently published a study in the American Journal of Public Health digging into who's really criticizing the NOVA food classification system. Her team found that over 90% of articles challenging NOVA or defending ultra-processed foods had at least one author with a food industry tie — and many of those connections were never disclosed. The pattern echoes a familiar playbook: decades ago, the to***co industry used similar tactics to fund friendly research and cast doubt on known risks. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308691?journalCode=ajph

07/15/2026

ORI Scientist Dr. Erica LaFata discusses the science behind food addiction and how industry influences our everyday food choices on the latest FUELED wellness + nutrition podcast with Molly Kimball, Nutritionist. Available on all podcast platforms.

06/01/2026

Researchers at ORI-CES are recruiting for a study evaluating patient knowledge of an alternate to taking pill form medication called Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) medication. The goal is to improve provider delivery and patient knowledge of LAI as a potential treatment option.
https://www.ori.org/schizophrenia-educational-trial/

05/07/2026

Adults ages 35 - 65 needed for research study. Help us pilot-test measures for a proposed study on adult life experiences, physical activity, and overall well-being.
https://www.ori.org/mental_toughness_pilot_recruitment/

04/22/2026

We are deeply saddened to share that ORI Senior Scientist Lewis R. Goldberg passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29. Dr. Goldberg was an internationally recognized scientist in the field of Personality research and a cherished member of the ORI community for more than six decades. Lew was a very important figure in the field of personality research, and his scientific contributions related to the “Big Five” model of personality have had an enormous and lasting impact on the field. His mentorship and presence shaped the careers and lives of many colleagues and collaborators here at ORI and around the world.

https://www.ori.org/goldberg_memorium/

02/25/2026

Do you crave junk food? Researchers at Oregon Research Institute Community and Evaluation Services (ORI CES), an affiliate of Oregon Research Institute, are looking for male volunteers to participate in a study investigating metabolic responses to different foods, funded by the NIH. Participants will receive compensation of up to $990.00 upon completion of all study assessments.

02/12/2026

Scientists at Oregon Research Institute (ORI) are testing multiple programs to help people reduce their ultra-processed food intake. Participation is entirely virtual. If you're interested in signing up, please use the following link to schedule a screening visit with study staff, who will assess your eligibility for the project: https://calendly.com/disrupt-ori/screening-visit