Dr Reuben Larbi
Research FellowProfile
Dr Reuben Larbi is a Population Health Scientist and Demographer specialising in climate change and health, environmental sustainability, health inequalities, sustainable healthcare and net-zero health systems, and knowledge mobilisation.
His work focuses on understanding how social, environmental, and structural determinants shape health and wellbeing, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations in low-resource urban settings. He employs interdisciplinary and mixed-methods approaches, integrating quantitative, qualitative, and spatial analyses to generate evidence that informs policy and practice.
Dr Larbi's work has advanced understanding of how environmental and socio-economic conditions influence population health, including the health impacts of flooding, climate-related risks, and inadequate urban infrastructure. More recently, he has examined the intersections between environmental sustainability, conflict-related carbon emissions, and public health, reflecting a commitment to addressing complex global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Career Details
At Lancaster University, Dr Larbi has contributed to nationally and internationally funded research across the Lancaster Environment Centre and the Division of Health Research. He has worked closely with local authorities, policymakers, public health practitioners, and community stakeholders to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making and support the translation of research into practice.
His work has informed initiatives aimed at reducing health inequalities, improving population health, and building healthier and more resilient communities. His current research explores the role of virtual wards (a digitally enabled model of care) in supporting the NHS decarbonisation agenda, examining their potential to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining or improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
With research experience spanning Ghana, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Tanzania, and Iraq, Dr Larbi brings a global perspective to population health challenges. His overarching goal is to produce impactful, policy-relevant research that advances health equity, promotes environmental sustainability, and supports sustainable development through partnerships across academia, government, and communities.
Research Overview
1. Sustainable healthcare and net zero health systems
2. Evaluating public health interventions
3. Climate change and population health, particularly adaptation to climate hazards incl. fooding and extreme heat
4. Embedding environmental/sustainability factors in health economic evaluation
5. Co-production and evidence-informed decision making in public health
6. Methodology and frameworks for computing carbon emissions in healthcare systems and civil conflicts
Lancaster University Africa Research Hub Symposium
Symposium
Health in Africa: Key Issues and Wider Determinants
Invited talk
Environmental Research: Health (Journal)
Publication peer-review
Coproducing change across health and social care services: the role of data
Oral presentation
Contribution to a scientific radio report on the impacts of war on the environment
Expert Opinion
Born into Care Annual Data Review
Invited talk
Environmental Research Communications (Journal)
Editorial activity
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-related health inequalities in low-income urban settings: Lessons learned
Oral presentation
Sharing Insights from Practice: Lessons Learned as an Embedded Researcher
Invited talk
Critical Appraisal Workshop
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
Insight from supported housing improvement programme project
Invited talk
Academic mentor
Other
Born into care - Children's Services File Analysis
Invited talk
AHEAD (African headteachers unite schools into a circular sanitation learning hub)
Symposium
HDRC learning event
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Military Emissions Gap conference
Invited talk
Environmental Research Letters (Journal)
Publication peer-review
Blackpool HDRC launch
Festival/Exhibition/Concert
Blackpool Council, Number One, Bickerstaffe Square, Talbot Road, FY1 3AH (External organisation)
Membership of committee
International Research Networking and Engagement (Ghana)
Types of External academic engagement - Hosting an academic visitor
PLoS ONE (Journal)
Editorial activity
Athena Swan Committee (Event)
Membership of committee
Scientific Advisory Panel (Event)
Member of Advisory Panel
COVID-19 reveals value of early local ownership of international development research
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
Military Emissions Gap Panel Discussion
Oral presentation
Roundtable discussion on Nature-based solutions to climate change in Africa
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
Maximising research impact through co-design and co-creation
Invited talk
Panelist- Making Postdoc Workshop
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
BRAC University
Visiting an external academic institution
GeoHealth (Journal)
Editorial activity
Environmental Research Letters (Journal)
Publication peer-review