Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Preventive Health Research
Founded in 1970 by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, The Cooper Institute is a globally recognized nonprofit dedicated to advancing preventive medicine and physical activity research. Our mission centers on investigating the profound impact of fitness and wellness on lifelong health, informing the public through evidence-based findings, and inspiring individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles. With the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study (CCLS) as our cornerstone research asset, we have established critical links between cardiorespiratory fitness and reduced risks of heart disease, dementia, and healthcare costs. Our youth programs, including FitnessGram and FitKids USA, promote healthy habits through engaging, science-backed initiatives. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and global organizations to translate research into actionable strategies for disease prevention and healthy aging.Our team of physicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts has authored over 100 peer-reviewed studies, shaping national and international health guidelines. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on donations to fund groundbreaking research and educational programs that have influenced major health organizations worldwide. Our commitment to transparency and community engagement is reflected in our advocacy for wellness-focused policies and resources. Through partnerships like NFL Play60 and the American Council on Exercise, we extend our reach to diverse populations. Our work continues to redefine preventive healthcare, emphasizing the power of physical activity and healthy living to transform lives globally.
Services
Preventive Medicine Research
Youth Fitness Programs
FitnessGram Assessment
Epidemiological Studies
Health Policy Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We pioneered the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, one of the world's largest fitness research projects.
- Our team includes physicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts with decades of experience.
- We develop science-backed youth programs like FitnessGram adopted by schools nationwide.
- Our research has influenced global health policies and major organizations like the American Heart Association.
- We maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions and wellness advocates worldwide.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Life-changing research
Dedicated leadership
Science-backed programs
Global health impact
Transparent operations
Services
Preventive Medicine Research
Our preventive medicine research investigates how physical activity and fitness reduce chronic disease risks. Using the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, we analyze cardiorespiratory fitness's impact on heart disease, dementia, and healthcare costs. This research informs global health policies and clinical guidelines.
Youth Fitness Programs
Youth fitness programs like FitnessGram and FitKids USA promote healthy habits through engaging activities. These science-backed initiatives help schools implement effective physical education curricula. Our programs improve academic performance and long-term health outcomes for children worldwide.
Epidemiological Studies
Epidemiological studies examine health behavior patterns across populations. Our research explores connections between lifestyle choices and chronic disease prevention. Findings from studies like CCLS have shaped national physical activity guidelines and influenced major health organizations globally.
Health Policy Advocacy
Health policy advocacy efforts promote wellness-focused legislation and resource allocation. We collaborate with policymakers to implement preventive healthcare strategies. Our advocacy supports school wellness programs, community fitness initiatives, and workplace health policies based on scientific evidence.
Fitness Assessment Tools
Fitness assessment tools like FitnessGram evaluate physical fitness levels in youth populations. These standardized assessments help educators track progress and develop effective wellness programs. The tools incorporate decades of research on exercise science and child development outcomes.
People
Laura DeFina
President, CEO and Chief Science Officer
Dr. Laura DeFina leads The Cooper Institute's research initiatives, including the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. With over 100 published manuscripts on preventive medicine, she received the American Heart Association's top research award. A former Army physician, she specializes in healthy aging and cardiorespiratory fitness research.
Kayla Heath
Chief Financial Officer
Kayla Heath manages financial operations and IT infrastructure at The Cooper Institute. With prior experience at RSM accounting firm, she brings expertise in nonprofit finance and business transformation. She oversees budgeting for research projects and educational programs.
Beth Wright
Senior Director, CCLS and Administration
Dr. Beth Wright directs the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study and manages administrative operations. A UNC-trained epidemiologist, she has co-authored numerous studies on health behaviors. She combines biostatistics expertise with wellness program administration to advance the institute's research mission.
David Leonard
Director of Biostatistics
Dr. David Leonard leads statistical analysis for research projects at The Cooper Institute. With a physics doctorate and experience in finance and medical research, he applies advanced modeling techniques to study fitness-health relationships. His work appears in leading medical journals.
Andjelka Pavlovic
Director of Youth Research and Education
Dr. Andjelka Pavlovic oversees youth programs and FitnessGram development. A certified personal trainer with a doctorate in exercise physiology, she researches muscle fitness's role in chronic disease prevention. She bridges scientific research with practical fitness applications for children.
Questions
Is Dr. Kenneth Cooper associated with The Cooper Institute?
Yes, Dr. Cooper founded The Cooper Institute in 1970 to study fitness-wellness connections. He remains actively involved as a board member.
What differentiates The Cooper Institute from Cooper Clinic?
While both founded by Dr. Cooper, The Cooper Institute focuses on research and education as a nonprofit, while Cooper Clinic provides clinical healthcare services.
Can I get certified as a personal trainer through The Cooper Institute?
The Cooper Institute's personal trainer certification program merged with ACE Fitness in 2019. Current certifications are offered through the American Council on Exercise.
How does The Cooper Institute support youth health initiatives?
We develop programs like FitnessGram and FitKids USA that promote physical activity in schools. These science-backed initiatives improve children's health and academic performance through structured fitness assessments and activities.
What research opportunities exist at The Cooper Institute?
Researchers can access the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study database, collaborate on epidemiological studies, or join our youth research initiatives. We partner with academic institutions on grant-funded projects.
How can individuals support The Cooper Institute's mission?
Support options include financial donations, participating in research studies, implementing our youth programs, or joining our advocacy network to promote wellness policies.
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