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Research

Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

Interdisciplinary Research Challenge

Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

Developing and implementing strategies to address the major health challenges of the 21st century

Improving health: a foundational pillar of the University of Aberdeen

In 1505 we established the first Chair of Medicine in the English-speaking world. Today we are home to one of the UK's leading medical schools and applied health and nutrition research units conducting interdisciplinary research to explore practical health solutions.

Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

We are globally recognised for our interdisciplinary health-related research in public health, clinical medicine, nutrition and food security, which is built on our disciplinary strengths across the University. Our novel collaborations between medical, nutritional, environmental and data science combined with arts and humanities provides diverse perspectives to find innovative and practical solutions for the challenges we face in the 21st century.

Working with partners from the NHS, local authorities, governments, charities and industry underpins our research in developing and implementing strategies to address major health-related challenges. This approach will ensure we continue to be a global leader in health and nutrition research. The impact of our work was recognised through the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our sustained excellence in health services research over the last 40 years.

Jennie Macdiarmid, Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

Research

Explore how our interdisciplinary research is uncovering new solutions to critical health problems

Molecular Biology
Saving sight with drugs derived from sharks

A University spinout is developing innovative, non-invasive medical technology for treating inflammatory diseases.
Economics
Improving eye care with policy reform

Our researchers examined the success of Scotland's free eye care policy to raise awareness of social inequalities.
Data and AI
Understanding and encouraging sustainable diets

Aberdeen research has underpinned new dietary guidelines around the world that link nutritional and sustainability data.
Psychology
Sowing the seeds of safety with non-technical skills

Researchers have created guidance materials and practical tools that aim to improve safety in the farming industry.

Interdisciplinary Projects

Experts across the University conduct research across many fields to further our understanding of medicine, nutrition and wellbeing. Browse the project summaries in our Interdisciplinary Research Project Database to find out more about potential new advances spanning many disciplines.

Blogs & Opinions

Opinion
Diets need to change to address food insecurity, climate change & global health

A significant global rise in food insecurity is inevitable without changing our eating habits, says Professor Jennie Macdiarmid.
Opinion
University's role in tissue bank key to breakthrough of breast cancer research

Professor Val Speirs discusses her "greatest achievement" - her involvement in setting up and running the Breast Cancer Now Tissue Bank.
Blog
Fishing for Health - Do our seafood supplies add up for dietary recommendations?

Anneli Lofstedt asks whether the widespread dietary recommendations for fish consumption match national seafood supplies.
Blog
Will the public engage with new pharmacy roles?

Under the most recent community pharmacy contract, pharmacists in Scotland are providing more clinical services. But do the public buy into this? The HERU team investigate.

Videos

Podcasts

The University has several podcast series which touch on health, nutrition and wellbeing. Here are just a few of them. Find more at our podcast hub!

Café Connect

Café Connect brings you the latest research from the University and frequently covers interdisciplinary topics including health and well-being, such as the physiological effects of exercise and activity, the pros and cons of antibiotics, the effects of the minimum alcohol pricing policy and more!
Rowett Conversations

The Rowett Conversations podcast brings you the latest research, learning opportunities and leading ideas in nutrition, health and diet coming from the University's celebrated home of nutrition research, the Rowett Institute.
BeWell

The BeWell Podcast series focuses on topical wellbeing issues from student pressure points to national wellbeing campaigns. The series is hosted by Wellbeing Adviser Bekah Walker who is joined each week by guest speakers from our staff and student community.
News
More News

Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing - Interdisciplinary Fellows

Sabine Parrish
Vivek Bhatt
Explore our Research

Our interdisciplinary challenges

Interdisciplinary challenges require interdisciplinary mindsets – that’s how we can make a lasting difference. Explore how we are working towards a brighter future, while actively supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Energy Transition

For more than 40 years we've combined our academic excellence with industry expertise, to innovate and positively affect the future of global energy.
Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity

In a rapidly changing world, we aim to be open to other perspectives and understand how culture and diversity shape human experience.
Environment and Biodiversity

By making the most of our proximity to nature, our researchers are addressing major environmental challenges both close to home and far afield.
Data and Artificial Intelligence

We have carried out research in data science and AI for more than 30 years, discovering new ways to improve health and daily life with this technology.
Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

Our interdisciplinary strengths, healthcare expertise and industry collaborations underpin our commitment to addressing major health challenges with our research.