Health and wellbeing institute launched

The Institute for Health & Wellbeing will investigate issues including men's health, healthy communities, health promotion and nutrition and childhood obesity.

The Institute has six distinct yet related research themes: Healthy communities, Health promotion, Men's health, Men, gender and wellbeing, Nutrition & childhood obesity, pain science and management.

Its key benefits will include:
• The broad definition of "Health and Wellbeing" means the Institute will bring together a wide range of relevant research without being constrained by traditional boundaries
• The creation of a critical mass across a related range of disciplines through which innovation and collaboration can thrive
• Reflecting the latest directions and priorities in funding, including key Government policy priorities - including workplace health and wellbeing.
• Presenting a cohesive portal to the external environment, making it easier for the research funding community, partners and clients to engage with researchers

Speaking ahead of the launch, Institute Director Professor Richard Hogston said: "One of our key strengths is that our research is rooted in finding solutions that will have real impact on communities and businesses. Creating the Institute will bring together a range of related disciplines and make it easier for us all to work together, generate and apply our research."

The Institute will build on the existing research work, most recently a report which put the spotlight on the health of men right across Europe.

Patterns emerging from data taken from 34 European countries show marked differences in health outcomes amongst men both between and within countries.

Poor lifestyles and preventable risk factors account for a high share of premature death and illness in men, illustrating that their health disadvantage is not necessarily written in the genes but can be remedied in part by targeted policies and actions.