London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

In July, an estimated 10,000 athletes and millions of visitors from all over the world will gather in London for the 2012 Olympic Games. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is involved in various aspects of London 2012 and its global and public health legacies.

Last week, the School was awarded a Research Councils UK Podium Award for exceptional research contribution, recognising Prof David Heymann’s work with Brian McCloskey, London regional director of the Health Protection Agency, on mass gatherings and infectious disease prevention.

Another ongoing research project, the Olympic Regeneration in East London (ORiEL) longitudinal study on young people in the host boroughs, led for the School by Mark Petticrew in partnership with Queen Mary, University of London was cited in a Universities UK report on the impact of research around the Games.

On Friday May 18, the School teams up with Chatham House and Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation to host a panel discussion on mass gatherings medicine. Speakers include representatives of the HPA, the London 2012 Games Organisers, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Health.

Looking ahead, the School is preparing to open the doors of its historic art deco Keppel Street building with a showcase exhibition of archives and artefacts relating to health and sport. Meanwhile, many staff and students will be working and volunteering on projects related to the Games.

Ann Fazakerley, the School’s Director of External Relations, said: “This summer, all eyes will be on London, and we are proud to be contributing in so many ways. With the world’s media on our doorstep, the Games are a great opportunity to inspire our students, alumni and visitors, and highlight the relevance of our work with partners to improve health worldwide.”