Through shared learning, case studies and insight from national partners, the event will highlight how locally driven research can enhance practice, improve outcomes, and strengthen the public health workforce.
This session, delivered by The Champs Public Health Collaborative, is designed for Cheshire and Merseyside’s public health community, aiming to introduce opportunities for research in public health. We will hear from local authority colleagues on how research is embedded within their public health programmes, showcasing practical examples of what is possible. We will also be joined by the NIHR, who will outline the support available, including funding opportunities and practical tips for developing strong research applications.
Speakers include:
- Dr Ifeoma Onyia, Director of Public Health - Halton Council & lead Director of Public Health for Research (Chair)
- Katriona Lloyd, Qualitative Programme Manager, Insights Team - Wirral Council
- Jamie Halliwell, Local Authority Research Practitioner - Wirral Council
- Nicola Sheen, Programme Manager - NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health
- Helen Munro Wild, Research Fellow & Methodologist - NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health
- Professor Ben Barr, Professor in Applied Public Health - University of Liverpool
- Dr Elspeth Anwar, Public Health Consultant - Liverpool City Council
- Irum Durrani, Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC Liverpool), Public & Community Engagement Officer - Liverpool City Council
- Emma Ciclitira, Senior Public Health Practitioner - Liverpool City Council
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Health Innovation North 2026 Find out more
The third Health Innovation North Conference, where we will explore cutting-edge solutions that drive improvements in population health and foster economic growth.