Staff Profile

Dr Michael Sewell is a Research Associate in Public and Planetary Health at Newcastle University’s Population Health Sciences Institute. His work focuses on understanding how local government partnerships and sponsorship activities influence public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. As part of the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) Healthy Places, Healthy Planet programme, Michael’s research explores how commercial relationships within local government can be designed and governed to promote healthier, more sustainable communities.

Before joining Newcastle University, Michael worked with the Institute of Place Management and the High Street Task Force, where he led research and stakeholder engagement across more than 150 towns and cities in England. His work supported local authorities and civic organisations in developing evidence-based regeneration and place marketing strategies.

Michael’s broader research interests include urban history/regeneration, heritage and tourism, place making and place governance, and the communication of research impact. He is particularly interested in how interdisciplinary research can inform policy and practice.