MRC Epidemiology Unit
The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a department at the University of Cambridge. It is working to improve the health of people in the UK and around the world.
Obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders present a major and growing global public health challenge. These disorders result from a complex interplay between genetic, developmental, behavioural and environmental factors that operate throughout life.
The mission of the Unit is to investigate the individual and combined effects of these factors and to develop and evaluate strategies to prevent these diseases and their consequences.
The MRC Epidemiology Unit/CEDAR seminar series has moved online. You can find a list of upcoming seminars and recordings of previous ones here. To receive emails about future seminars and other alerts subscribe here.
Data sharing
The MRC Epidemiology Unit is committed to sharing data to maximise the value of our work for the public good. Our Data Sharing pages have details of the principles and processes for accessing and sharing data.
Become a study volunteer
The MRC Epidemiology Unit is involved in many studies that look at obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. But you don’t need to have one of these conditions to help us with our research. We are constantly looking for volunteers to enroll in our studies and help us improve our knowledge of these diseases.
COVID-19 – our response
During the Covid-19 pandemic the research work of the Unit is continuing, and Unit scientists are contributing to national efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its broader public health consequences.
Work & Study
The MRC Epidemiology Unit offers an extensive range of career opportunities for scientists, research support staff and management professionals. Whether you are a recent graduate or a senior researcher, we place great emphasis on attracting and training the brightest minds, and on investing in their futures through structured career development training complemented by on-the-job learning.
Our latest news
Fitness levels can be predicted using wearable devices…and no treadmill required!
Cambridge researchers have developed a method for measuring overall fitness accurately on wearable devices – and more robustly than current consumer smartwatches and…
PhD student Stasa Stankovic wins at Robert Greenblatt Award at World Congress on Menopause
At this year’s World Congress on Menopause in Lisbon Stasa Stankovic, a PhD student in the Unit’s Early Life Aetiology and Mechanisms programme, won…
Weight loss treatments are not a permanent fix – that doesn’t mean they ‘don’t work’
In this article originally published in The Conversation, Dr Amy Ahern and Professor Giles Yeo discuss why is it so difficult to keep…
Mums’ activity levels may depend on number and ages of children
Less than half of mums meet the recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity – and mothers of younger children manage to do the…