Three Imperial researchers given prestigious research positions

Three Imperial researchers have been appointed as Senior Investigators by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Senior Investigators are leading experts in their fields, recognised for their exceptional contributions to research and their influence in shaping the future of health and care. Ambassadors for the NIHR, they also act as a key source of advice to the Department of Health and Social Care’s Chief Scientific Adviser.

They play a leading role in guiding strategy and tackling challenges in the health and social care landscape, working closely with the NIHR and Department of Health and Social Care. 

Professor Christopher Millett, Professor of Public Health at Imperial’s School of Public Health, is one of 39 researchers in England newly appointed as an NIHR Senior Investigator.

Research excellence

Professor Millett’s main research interest is public health and environmental policy evaluation, with a particular interest in health inequality impacts.  He is lead investigator at Imperial for the NIHR School of Public Health Research and Co-Principal Investigator for an NIHR Global Health Research Centre on Non-Communicable Diseases and Environmental Change in Bangladesh, India and Indonesia.

Professors Waljit Dhillo, Professor in Endocrinology & Metabolism at Imperial and Consultant Endocrinologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Azeem Majeed, Professor of Primary Care and Public Health and Head of the Department of Primary Care & Public Health at Imperial, have been reappointed as Senior Investigators.

Professor Dhillo’s work has investigated the development of safer IVF treatment for women; robotic sensor technology to diagnose women’s reproductive health problems in real-time; and whether the hormone kisspeptin can ultimately be used to treat men with common psychosexual disorders, such as low libido.

Professor Majeed’s research interests include health policy and the organisation and delivery of health care. He pioneered the use of data from electronic health records to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities. 

A Senior Investigator’s term lasts four years and they will receive £20,000 a year to support their research activities, including work at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Transforming patient care and public health

Professor Mark Thursz, Director of Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre, said:

“I want to congratulate Christopher, Waljit and Azeem on their appointments as Senior Investigators. Their appointments are testament to their expertise and leadership in public health, endocrinology and metabolism and primary care, and I am pleased that they have been recognised by the NIHR.

“Our work plays a key role in helping us solve some of the biggest health challenges and advancing the field of translational medicine, all for the benefit of patients and populations in North West London and beyond.

“I am confident that Christopher, Waljit and Azeem will make valuable contributions as Senior Investigators and be fantastic advocates for our work and mission to transform patient care and public health.”