PhD
Professor, Health Behavior
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Prevention and Control
Area of Interest
Noel Brewer, PhD, is a professor of health behavior at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. He studies health behaviors that prevent cancer. Brewer’s current work focuses on increasing HPV vaccination, improving tobacco warnings, and encouraging appropriate use of medical screening tests. He chairs the U.S. National HPV Vaccination Roundtable.
Awards and Honors
- Highly Cited Researcher (top 1% globally), Clarivate, 2017, 2018
- Society of Behavioral Medicine, Citation Award, 2017, 2019
- Phillip and Ruth Hettleman Prize for Artistic and Scholarly Achievement by Young Faculty, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2011
- Rutgers University Early Career Alumnus Award for Distinguished Accomplishments and Service, 2010
News and Stories

Public health leads researcher to communication advances
Noel Brewer, PhD, has always been fascinated by health behavior. Brewer's research focuses on vaccination, smoking and health screening.

UNC Lineberger faculty recognized as being among the world’s most influential researchers
Fifteen UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center members were named as 2021 Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate for publishing some of the most influential scientific papers during the past decade.

UNC awarded $11.7 million to help providers improve HPV vaccine communication, uptake among adolescents
Led by Noel Brewer, PhD, UNC-Chapel Hill researchers are launching a new project to give providers the support necessary to improve HPV vaccine communication.

UNC Lineberger faculty among the most highly cited scientists worldwide
Clarivate’s 2020 Highly Cited Researchers list recognized 15 UNC Lineberger members for publishing some of the most influential scientific papers the past decade.