Cambridge Public Health brought together colleagues from Cambridgeshire County Council, Peterborough City Council, the NHS and the University of Cambridge for a workshop on strengthening collaboration between local authorities and public health researchers.
Held on Wednesday 29 April, the workshop explored how academic expertise can support local public health priorities at a time when healthy life expectancy is declining and inequalities remain a major concern in the region. Local authority colleagues shared current challenges and priorities, highlighting the need for practical evidence that is responsive to complex, real-world settings.
A key theme throughout the day was the importance of research that is timely, locally grounded and relevant to policy and practice. Discussions explored how different approaches — from evidence synthesis and data analysis to natural experiment evaluation, system mapping and community engagement — could help build understanding of local public health challenges and inform future action.
Small-group discussions focused on areas where further collaboration could be developed, including planning and new developments, community engagement and regeneration, children and young people’s mental health, working-age adults and employment.
The workshop forms part of Cambridge Public Health’s wider work to convene, connect and support researchers across the University and to strengthen partnerships with public health professionals.