Health

A stethoscope

Health Theme: Harnessing Data Science and AI to Optimise Health

The Health theme has a wide scope, current areas of strength include spatial and spatiotemporal methods in global public health, design and analysis of clinical trials, epidemic forecasting and demographic modelling, health informatics and genetics.

At Lancaster University, the health theme brings together a diverse range of expertise applying data science and artificial intelligence to address pressing challenges across health and medicine. Our researchers work at the cutting edge of areas such as cell and molecular biology, digital health technologies, management science, infectious disease, health economics, medical imaging, and health-related security.

Collaboration is central to the theme’s approach. Academics within the heath theme partner with NHS teams, industry, UK and international universities, and a variety of other organisations to drive innovation and deliver real-world impact.

A distinctive asset for our researchers is access to regional NHS Secure Data Environments. These platforms provide secure, anonymised data and research tools for approved projects, supporting new insights and safer healthcare solutions. Professor Jo Knight, based at Lancaster University, serves as the Research Director for the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Secure Data Environment, helping to shape cutting-edge data-driven health research in the region.

Theme Lead

Neil Reeves

Professor Neil Reeves

Professor of Secure Health Technologies

Digital Health Group, Experimental Medicine

Case Studies

A burger in a takeaway container

Using Planning Powers to Reduce Spatial Inequalities in the Food Environment: How effective are these tools?

Local authorities play a critical role in improving public health through strategic use of planning, licensing, partnership working, and procurement to create healthier food environments. Over the past decade, our research has explored how local authorities can leverage existing data to monitor food environments effectively and evaluate the impact of planning tools on promoting healthier behaviours.

One key data source is the Food Standards Agency’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, which offers valuable insights into the food environment. Building on this, we examined two different planning interventions in the North East of England: Newcastle City Council’s ban on new hot food takeaways within 400 metres of secondary schools, and Gateshead Council’s blanket ban on new hot food takeaways.

Our findings revealed that school exclusion zones for takeaways had no measurable impact on the food environment. However, Gateshead’s blanket ban significantly altered the density and proportion of hot food takeaway outlets compared to local authorities without such policies. Importantly, this change contributed to a 4% reduction in overweight and obesity among children aged 10–11 living in areas previously characterised by a high concentration of hot food outlets.

This research has had tangible policy impacts, informing planning decisions such as the restriction of a McDonald’s outlet in Sheffield and shaping supplementary planning documents in two districts in Lancashire. Through targeted interventions and robust evidence, local authorities can harness planning powers to foster healthier communities.

A man with his head in his hands

Is delayed mental health treatment detrimental to employment?

Mental health challenges affect half of all individuals at some point in their lives, yet many countries struggle to provide timely and sufficient care, leading to long waiting lists. This project used Dutch administrative data to examine the impact of delayed access to mental healthcare on healthcare use and employment outcomes.

The findings are striking: every additional month of delay increases long-term healthcare needs and reduces the likelihood of employment by 2 percentage points. For Dutch society, this translates to an annual cost of over £300 million. Applied to the UK’s larger population, the estimated yearly cost exceeds £1 billion.

By quantifying the significant societal and economic costs of delayed access, this research has raised awareness among policymakers, inspiring new initiatives aimed at reducing waiting times and improving access to mental healthcare services.

A woman with a glucose monitor in her arm

Transforming Care: Digital Healthcare Technologies for Disease Prevention and Management

The NHS's 10-year health plan envisions a transformative shift in healthcare delivery from hospitals to communities and from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Realising this ambition requires evidence-based healthcare technologies. At Lancaster University, years of innovative research have focused on developing and testing cutting-edge solutions for diabetes prevention and management, including smart sensing socks and insole sensors.

These technologies have been shown to effectively prevent severe diabetic foot ulcers, which can lead to limb amputations, while also improving individuals’ gait, mobility, and overall quality of life. This impactful research has shaped national policy, influencing discussions in the parliamentary health and social care committee and contributing evidence to parliamentary meetings on healthcare innovations and artificial intelligence.

Beyond policy, the research has supported health technology companies in advancing their products towards market availability, ensuring these innovations deliver tangible benefits for patients. On an international scale, Lancaster researchers contribute to British and international standards committees on medical devices, supporting pathways for technologies that enhance disease prevention and management while driving forward the future of healthcare.