AcademyHealth is the professional home for health services researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners, and a leading non-partisan resource for the best in health research and policy.

Why did AcademyHealth change its name?
We changed our name from the Academy for Health Services Research and Health Policy because we wanted a name that was easier to remember and that quickly captures and conveys the nature of this organization. A shorter name will enhance our ability to communicate effectively with our membership, the public, and with policymakers whose understanding and support are critical to advancing the field.

Is the mission also changing?
No, we are still the professional home for health services researchers and policy analysts, the manager of grant-making activities and contracts sponsored by foundations and government agencies, and the organizer of a number of national health services research and health policy meetings and educational forums.

How did this name change come about?
In December 2001, the AcademyHealth Board of Directors authorized the President and CEO to lead an exploration of a new name. The Executive Staff worked with leaders in health services research and health policy to explore options for names and sought input from a sample of our members. The results were shared with the AcademyHealth Board, which voted unanimously to adopt the new name, AcademyHealth. Members were informed at the Meeting of AcademyHealth Members at the 2002 Annual Research Meeting, and the organization formally launched AcademyHealth on September 16, 2002.

What is the significance of the word Academy in the name?
The vision of this organization is that of a virtual 'Academy' - a place where members and users of health services research and policy could convene and learn, and work toward the advancement of knowledge and its application to improve health and health care. Other words--center, society, association--didn't appropriately capture the breadth and vigor of the work we do. Since we've been referring to ourselves as 'the Academy' for the past couple of years, and this was perceived to have value by the focus groups conducted prior to the selection of AcademyHealth, it made sense to keep it. Retaining the word 'Academy' helps to convey the organization's authority, weight, and credibility.

Why is AcademyHealth one word instead of two?
This integrated presentation of the two words makes us more identifiable and allows us to trademark this identity as ours alone. It is also consistent with our URL, so it represents a less radical change than other options considered.

What's behind the logo?
Moving from left to right, the logo elements represent the evolution of research (the triangle), being translated into policy (the folded triangle), and finally, into practice (the star). It's a visual representation of our tag line, 'Advancing Research, Policy and Practice', and invokes the motion of this process. In the focus groups, concern from some about the word 'Academy' connoting an 'Ivory Tower' feel was lessened when paired with vibrant colors and friendly design. We view this visual representation as extremely important to the re-naming process.