MRC scientists contribute to Scottish health and environment study
26 January 2009
A new research project focused on links between the environment and public health is to be funded by the Scottish Government.
Approximately £1.45 million will be provided over the next four years to support the project, currently known as 'Environmental Determinants of Public Health in Scotland'.
The project will be led by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) in Edinburgh and will involve a team of experts from ten organisations including the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said:
"We are aware of the considerable evidence that supports a link between environmental factors and public health. This evidence is complex and continues to develop.’’
"This ambitious project will build on existing work, drawing upon a considerable level of experience from research institutes, Higher Education Institutes and environmental interests.’’
"The research aims to examine evidence on interaction between people and their environments and will assist in informing future policy on both public health and the environment.’’
"The Scottish Government is determined to improve the health of the nation and also enhance Scotland's rich natural resources."
The research project will run for four years and will involve a team of experts from ten organisations, mostly based in Scotland. The project will be led by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) in Edinburgh and will involve researchers from nine other organisations including the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Scottish Agricultural College, Imperial College London, the University of Aberdeen, the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit (Glasgow), the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and the University of Glasgow.
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