Our Story
In 2017, a discussion about lighting design for the new Critical Care Building at Cincinnati Children’s sparked an idea bridging cutting-edge science with human-centered care. What if we could harness our growing understanding of biology to create a system that not only illuminated spaces but also supported health and development?
That seed blossomed into a groundbreaking collaboration between Dr. James Greenberg, Co-Director of the Perinatal Institute, and Dr. Richard Lang, Director of the Visual Systems Group. Dr. Greenberg, Dr. Lang, architects, and innovators joined forces to design a novel programmable lighting system that mimics critical elements of natural sunlight.
First installed in CCHMC’s state-of-the-art NICU, this visionary technology is already transforming care for extremely preterm newborns. These tiny miracles, often weighing less than a pound, face immense challenges as they grow outside the womb, challenges now supported by biological lighting pathways essential for growth.
Our Research
The Science of Light Center investigates the biological impact of light. Explore our core pillars: from basic science labs to clinical translations.
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Richard Lang PhD.
Co-Director of the SOL Center, focusing on the non-visual effects of light. Dr. Lang leads our basic science initiatives, investigating how intra- and extraocular light sensing pathways in development, homeostasis and disease.
Our Experts & Collaborators
These experts lead a larger multidisciplinary team dedicated to the biological and physiological impact of light on human health.
James Greenberg MD
Co-Director of the SOL Center, Dr. Greenberg
Dr. Greenberg is a board-certified neonatologist with over 30 years of clinical and research experience, recognized for pioneering contributions in neonatology and efforts to reduce infant mortality. As co-founder of the Science of Light Center, Dr. Greenberg has advanced the development of biologically aware lighting systems in the NICU, establishing national leadership in translating spectral lighting research to improve infant health and development.
Collaborate With Us
The Science of Light Center is dedicated to advancing the biological and physiological understanding of light. We invite experts across disciplines, from neuroscience to architecture, to join our initiative in defining modern lighting standards.
Research Inquiries
scienceoflightcenter@cchmc.org