For the incidence of cigarette smoking and other toxic forms of tobacco use to decrease, current users must quit or switch to reduced risk products (“RRPs”), and non-smokers and those who do not use tobacco in any form must not start. Researchers and experts define the former path as the “off-ramp” of smokers and tobacco users, and the latter path as the “on-ramp” of non-smokers and non-tobacco users. The material net gain for public health can be achieved only if substantially more smokers quit than non-smokers start. 

Proponents of tobacco harm reduction (“THR”) focus on the benefits of the off-ramp—that is, RRPs as a means of helping smokers quit. The traditional tobacco control community highlights the challenges associated with the on-ramp, focusing particularly on youth vaping.

Considering the research being conducted globally, as well as gaps in current knowledge, the Foundation makes grants to fund non-duplicative and novel research associated with smoking cessation and THR, including in areas such as:

• Improving understanding about whether THR products are an on-ramp for non-smokers and/or an off-ramp cessation tool for smokers;
• The effects of THR product use;
• The availability of, and economics associated with, THR and risk-proportionate regulation;
• Misperceptions about nicotine;
• Correcting misinformation and disinformation about THR, so that it is assessed based on evidence; and
• Supporting medical and other health professionals in advising smokers and tobacco users, with an emphasis on marginalized and diverse communities as well as low- and middle-income countries.