Principal Research Associate

Programme lead – Public health modelling

Email: jw745@cam.ac.uk
Telephone: 01223 746887

Address:  
UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR)
MRC Epidemiology Unit
University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine
Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

Qualifications:
PhD, MSc, BA(Hons)

Background and experience
I joined CEDAR in 2011 and initiated the Public Health Modelling Group in 2013. I have led on the development of policy relevant transport health impact models (ITHIM) and spatially detailed behaviour change potential models (PCT).

Current work and interests
James’ research focuses on modelling health and sustainability. He has particular interest in how we can improve health in the transition to a low carbon transport  system.  His work investigates both the health impacts of changes to transport and food systems, developing detailed and realistic exposure scenarios, and modelling and how changes could be brought about.

Potential students

If you are interested in doing a PhD at CEDAR or the MRC Epidemiology Unit as part of the Public Health Modelling Group please contact me.

We are particularly interested in enquiries from students looking to work in the following areas:

• Developing policy relevant exposure and impact assessment tools. This includes projects related to the PCT or ITHIM but other areas including diet would also be considered.
• Road Injury Risk: Investigating the road traffic injury risk posed and faced by different road users in different settings. In particular how injury risks faced by pedestrians and cyclists can be reduced, including the factors contributing to the ‘safety in numbers’ phenomena.
• Spatial Microsimulation:  Methods for generating synthetic populations for local decision making.
• Uncertainty in complex simulation models (in this case a collaboration with MRC BioStatistics Unit may be possible)
  
• Transport Modelling: In particular on links between health impact modelling methods and Activity Based Models
• Physical Activity Modelling: In particular on generating realistic exposure scenarios on how physical activity levels may differentially change in the population in response to policy or environmental change
• Longitudinal Microsimulation: In particular developing realistic trajectories for correlated exposures and health outcomes.

We are also interested in projects that would involve collaborations with other CEDAR and MRC Epi Unit Programmes.

For details of the group’s projects please click here

For details of my publications please click here

Current and recent grants

• 2018-2023: Center for Transportation, Environment, and Community Health. Preserving the Environment, US Department of Transport. Cornell University- Lead, Consortium Members: University of California, Davis, University of South Florida, University of Texas at El Paso. $2.8 million per year. (Co-I with University of California Davis)
  
• 2017-2020: Scalable behavioural weight management programme for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, NIHR Programme Grant £1,846k PI: Griffin S. & Ahern A.
• 2017-2020: Modelling The MEthods and Tools for Assessing the Health Impacts of Transport: modelling study (METAHIT), MRC Methods Panel £420k (PI)
• 2017-2020: Is 20 plenty for health? Evaluation of the 20mph speed limit networks in Edinburgh and Belfast on a range of public health outcomes, NIHR £909k. PI Jepson R. Co-investigator.
• 2017-2019: Towards an Integrated Global Transport and Health Assessment Tool (TIGTHAT), MRC Global Challenges.£420k. (PI)
• 2016-2017: Research into valuing health impacts in Transport Appraisal, Department for Transport. £46k (PI)
• 2015-2016: Propensity to Cycle for Greater Manchester, ESPRC Impact Acceleration Award £42k (PI)
• 2015-2017: Development and evaluation of system dynamics methods to engage with policy makers on the prevention and control of diabetes in a middle income region, MRC/Wellcome Trust £104k  (CI). PI Unwin N.
  
• 2015-2018: National Propensity to Cycle Tool Project, Department for Transport  £350k (PI)
• 2014-2015: Microsimulation model of the Health Checks Programme £65k (PI)
• 2013-2016: Lifelong Health and Wellbeing. Characterising patterns and changes in physical activity in older people and their determinants and consequences. £793K, Co-applicant. PI: Griffin S.
• 2013-2016: MRC Population Health Scientist Fellowship, 3 years. £393K
• 2013-2014: Changing Commutes: Exploring the uptake of cycling to work through an agent-based model focusing on social interactions and social norms. ESRC £200k (PI)
• 2012-2013: Modelling the Health Impact of London Walking and Cycling Targets. Greater London Authority £10k (PI)
• 2012-2013: Modelling Health and Sustainability in Transport and Food Systems. MRC Centenary Award £39k (PI)
• 2012-2013: Modelling on the Move: Towards Transport System Transitions? £17k (CI)