Health

From vaccines and viruses to palliative care and the language we use to talk about illness, Lancaster academics are available to share their expertise.

A doctor with arms crossed and a stethoscope around the neck.

Christopher Gaffney

Senior Lecturer in Integrative Physiology and Sports and Exercise Scientist

Dr Gaffney can discuss the benefits of exercise, particularly in relation to surgery, spaceflight, and diabetes. His research seeks to understand the basic physiology and metabolism that underpins disease, health, and athletic performance.

His research has been covered on outlets including BBC Breakfast and BBC North West Tonight, in national newspapers, Down to Earth magazine, and in the Conversation, Dr Gaffney.

Research profile for Dr Christopher Gaffney

Dr Christopher Gaffney

Muhammad Munir

Professor of Virology and Viral Zoonoses

Professor Munir is able to discuss topics including viruses of both human and animal importance, vaccines, and diagnostics.

He has given hundreds of interviews on national and international platforms, including BBC, CNN, Sky News, ITV, France 24 and Deutsche Welle, and has written for The Conversation, Professor Munir.

Research profile for Professor Muhammad Munir

Professor Muhammad Munir

Nancy Preston

Professor of Supportive and Palliative Care

Professor Preston can share her expertise on palliative care – particularly around the choices people make at the end of life including assisted dying – and how palliative care services are delivered. She can also talk about care homes in relation to palliative care and Covid 19.

Previous media appearances include CBS News, LBC and Times Radio. Professor Preston has written for The Conversation (Professor Preston) and the i.

Research profile for Professor Preston

Professor Nancy Preston

Elena Semino

Professor of Linguistics and English Language

Professor Semino can discuss communication about illness – including cancer, chronic pain, schizophrenia, autism, Covid 19, and vaccinations – especially through metaphors and narratives.

Previous media appearances include BBC Radio 4, the New Scientist, TIME magazine and The Guardian.

Research profile for Elena Semino

Professor Elena Semino

Adam Taylor

Professor of Anatomy

Professor Taylor can speak on all aspects of the human body relating to form and function in health and disease, with a particular focus on ensuring scientific information is available and understandable to the wider public.

Previous media appearances include ABC Australia, BBC Radio 5 Live, and extensive contributions to The Conversation, Professor Adam Taylor.

Research profile for Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor posing by a balcony.
Professor Adam Taylor

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