History of the Institute

The Institute has grown out of the former School of Population and Health Sciences which hosted two large research groups: the Centre for Health Services Research and the Public Health Research Group. It was recognised that by combining the research strengths of groups in other Schools and in the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculties who were doing linked research there would be huge opportunities for multi-disciplinary and collaborative working which would enhance the research capacity of the University.

Centre for Health Services Research (CHSR)

CHSR was one of the leading centres for Health Services Research in the United Kingdom . Its research focussed how to make best use of advances in health care and health technology so that individuals and society as a whole would benefit. The key research domains included:

  • effectiveness: how can we be sure that interventions benefit individuals?
  • experience: how can we gain an understanding of people's needs and the population's expectations and experience of health care?
  • efficiency: how can we deliver health care in the most cost-effective and equitable way?
  • implementation: how can we achieve beneficial change in professional and patient behaviour?

The work of the Centre will be carried forward by the following research programmes within the newly formed Institute:

Public Health Research Group (PHRG)

Formed in 2002, the PHRG was directed first by Professor Richard Thomson and subsequently by Professor Martin White. The aim of the PHRG was to undertake high quality research that underpins national and local strategy for health. The research investigated the causes of health problems and the wide variations in health between and within populations. It also aimed to develop and evaluate interventions to improve population health and reduce inequalities in health between populations. Research themes covered: understanding public health problems and tackling public health problems.

The work of the PHRG will be carried forward by the following research programmes within the newly formed Institute: