Dr Nick Townsend

Nick is the lead on a programme of research into the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors in the United Kingdom.  This programme of research includes modelling the future burden of CVD, investigations into regional, social, ethnic and temporal trends in CVD and improving estimates of the incidence and other aspects of the burden of CVD. As a part of this programme Nick collaborates with other members of the BHFHPRG on projects studying the promotion of healthy dietary choice and physical activity from a public health perspective, with a particular interest in health promotion in schools. He has also developed a programme of research into childhood obesity in collaboration with the National Obesity Observatory (NOO) of which he is a member. Before joining the BHFHPRG Nick completed a PhD at Cardiff University studying the promotion of healthy eating in secondary schools. Whilst at Cardiff he also worked on an evaluation of the health promoting school approach within Wales.