Research centre

Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease

An old woman with a baby on her arms

Our research characterises how the environment during human development contributes to risk of chronic disease, underpinning resilience to challenges in later life.

Part of Medicine

Applying these insights through our teaching and knowledge exchange, we contribute to reducing disparities in health and life chances across generations.

Child page cards

Preparing for pregnancy and parenthood is critical to reducing disparities in health and life chances across generations. My research underpins policies to provide the best start to life, accompanied by resilience to sustain health into later life.
Director, Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
My research develops complex interventions to improve health and nutrition before conception and during pregnancy, to reduce inequalities. A component examines the role of the food environment to identify focal points for intervention.
Professor of Public Health&Epidemiology
Musculoskeletal disorders are a major cause of ill-health and inability to work. My research is identifying early life measures to improve lifelong musculoskeletal health, and ways to maintain this in later life.
Director MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre

Preventing the transmission of non-communicable disease risk between generations

Research from the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Centre demonstrates how the diet and lifestyle choices of prospective parents and pregnant mothers can affect the long-term health of their children.

Inspiring young people to make positive lifestyle choices

An education and medicine collaboration helps youngsters make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing in the face of the pandemic.

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Interdisciplinary Dementia and Ageing Centre

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Child and Adolescent Research Group

Our research focuses on the physical and mental health of Children and Adolescents.

NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre

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Bone and Joint Research Group

We explore new technologies and treatments to promote the repair and regeneration of bones and cartilage.

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Wessex

At the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex, we conduct applied health research with our partner and others in the health and care sector, alongside patients and members of the public.

MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre

We study the determinants of musculoskeletal and metabolic disease throughout the lifecourse.

Versus Arthritis and MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work

We investigate the adverse impacts of musculoskeletal conditions on work. By informing policy and practice we aim to improve the lives of workers, patients and employers