I co-lead a 10 year funded research programme focusing on UK public health as part of the NIHR School of Public Health Research (SPHR@L). My current research focuses on upstream determinants of diseases, and in particular evaluation of place-based public health policies at local government level.

I have worked with colleagues at LSHTM and collaborations worldwide developing methods to measure contextual environmental determinants of diet, alcohol, physical activity and cardiovascular disease in a range of urban and rural populations in countries at all stages of economic development. In the UK, this research looks at what factors produce 'healthy' neighbourhoods and how this can be operationalised through local government polices such as planning and licencing. We have been involved in using novel evaluation methods including applying systems evaluation methods to public health practice.

I have been involved for a number of years in highlighting the important linkages between food and health, both in research and policy. Currently this work focuses on researching local food systems in local communities, and exploring what levers are effective in creating healthier food environments.

My previous food research has included exploring the potential impacts of adopting healthier diets for NCDs on agricultural production and trade, especially as a member of the Leverhulme Centre for Integrative Research on Agriculture and Health (LCIRAH), an innovative programme to link agriculture and health research for international development. I have previously been involved in a number of food and agriculture policy processes. During 2007-9, I was an expert contributor to the European Commission DG Agri during development of new policy for school fruit and vegetable schemes as part of FV sector reform (SFS). I was a member of the World Bank Global Design and Writing Team for the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) which was adopted at an intergovernmental meeting in April 2008, and have provided input to two UK Government Foresight Assessments including that on 'Tackling Obesity: Future Choices' which was undertaken in 2006-7, and 'Global Food and Farming Futures' in 2010.

My early research focused on estimating the global burden of disease due to low intake of fruit and vegetables, and I have also contributed to systematic reviews on the effectiveness of interventions and programmes promoting fruit and vegetable intake worldwide.