MRC Epidemiology UnitThe MRC Epidemiology Unit studies the genetic, developmental, behavioural and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders, as well as approaches to the prevention of these diseases and their consequences.
Our research mission is to inform, develop and evaluate approaches to promote health and wellbeing through the joint strategies of precision prevention and population health improvement.
Our research themes
The first four of our Objectives serve as the unifying themes of our research. The scientific objectives of each of our research groups are closely aligned to one or more of these themes.
Causes and Mechanisms
Investigating the causes and mechanisms of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases in individuals and populations.
Precision Prevention
Developing and evaluating precision prevention approaches to address the causes, consequences and complications of non-communicable diseases.
Population Health Improvement
Informing, developing and evaluating population-based approaches to improve health and reduce inequalities in the UK.
Global Public Health
Investigating and developing approaches to improving global public health, including work in low, middle and higher income countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Asia.
Research groups
The Unit currently has seven research groups funded as Medical Research Council core-funded programmes, ranging from the aetiology and mechanisms of diabetes and related metabolic disorders, through nutritional and physical activity epidemiology, to prevention-focused research in young people and adult populations.
We also have a number of departmental research groups supported by a range of funders in areas including public health modelling, global public health, interventions in patient populations and the measurement of diet, nutrition and physical activity.
Our research groups focusing on the measurement of diet, nutrition and physical activity form part of our leadership of the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) theme in Nutrition, Obesity, Metabolism and Endocrinology. The Cambridge BRC links scientific research in world-class institutes with advances in patient care.
Our global public health research includes our leadership of the NIHR Global Diet and Activity Research Group and Network (GDAR), an international research partnership to help combat poor diet and physical inactivity in order to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. The partners in the GDAR network include Universities in South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya and the West Indies.
Studies
The Unit’s research themes and groups are supported by a core set of prospective cohort studies, detailed quantitative trait metabolic studies, case-control studies and trials that serve both aetiological and preventive purposes.
Research operations
Underpinning our science and studies are specialist Research Operations teams. These include data management, information technology, laboratory analysis, statistics, physical activity and anthropometric measurement, study coordination, field epidemiology, and communications.
Research publications
Research papers published by members of the MRC Epidemiology Unit, as well as other scientific resources, are available here.
You can also search our publications through the University of Cambridge Apollo Repository.
- All of Apollo: www.repository.cam.ac.uk
- School of Clinical Medicine on Apollo: www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/34581
Data sharing
The MRC Epidemiology Unit data sharing portal provides access to our study meta-data. It includes summary details of our studies and data dictionaries which describe the types of data that are available. Read more about our data sharing policies and resources.
Research Integrity
We aim to achieve our objectives while adhering to the highest ethical standards and working in accordance with requirements of the University of Cambridge and MRC policy and guidance, legislation and guidance from regulatory bodies as well as local ethical and governance frameworks. The Unit also acts in accordance with the University of Cambridge Clinical School policies. These standards for good research practice underpin the quality of science and ensure the integrity of outputs. This provides assurance to those whose work builds on the findings of others to drive improvements in health and also supports public confidence and participation in research.