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Health Inequalities Policy Research Theme (HIP-R)

Improving health and reducing inequalities by understanding the determinants of health and wellbeing and the policies that impact them.

Our leadership in health inequalities research influences local and national decision making.

The Health Inequalities Policy Research (HIP-R) Research Theme comprises three Research Groups and more than 50 researchers within the Institute of Population Health. Our vision is to improve health and reduce inequalities through the study of the determinants of health and wellbeing and the policies that impact them.

Our leadership in health inequalities research directly influences policies locally, nationally and internationally. Our approach combines the development and use of data assets, the application of a broad range of evaluation methods, and meaningful policy engagement at all levels.

We deliver an extensive research portfolio funded by a range of sources including NIHR, MRC, ESRC, Wellcome Trust, and The Health Foundation, and support a growing cohort of Early Career Researchers, externally funded fellowships, PhD students, and clinical academics.

We have significant leadership roles in a number of initiatives, including NIHR School for Public Health Research, NIHR Public Policy Research Unit, NIHR Public Health Intervention Responsive Studies Team (PHIRST), URKI Groundswell Consortium, Liverpool City Region Civic Data Cooperative, and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North West Cost, and we are a WHO Collaborating Centre for Policy Research on Determinants of Health Equity.

We collaborate with a range of partners, including Liverpool City Council, Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, N8, Health Equity North and the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), UNICEF Child Friendly Cities.

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Our research

Our work explores how social policies, economic systems, and local environments shape health and wellbeing across communities. Our projects aim to generate evidence that informs fairer policies and practical solutions to reduce health inequalities in the UK and beyond.

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Work with us

Through Fellowships, Public Engagement, PhD projects, and professional networks, HIP-R is able to bring together a range of stakeholders to ensure our work is guided by real world experiences, and delivers measurable benefit.

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Our work in action

Our research informs policy, advances practice, and promotes healthier, more equitable communities. This section highlights our real-world impact and recognises the contributions of our team at every level.

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Our team

Our team of experienced and dedicated researchers, are supported by a network of specialised professional services staff, PhD students, and technical professionals.