IMS Epidemiology studies the genetic, developmental, behavioural and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders, as well as approaches to the prevention of these diseases and their consequences.
Our research mission is to inform, develop and evaluate approaches to promote health and wellbeing through the joint strategies of precision prevention and population health improvement.
Our research themes and groups
The first four of our Objectives serve as the unifying themes of our research.
- Causes and Mechanisms. Investigating the causes and mechanisms of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases in individuals and populations.
- Precision Prevention. Developing and evaluating precision prevention approaches to address the causes, consequences and complications of non-communicable diseases.
- Population Health Improvement. Informing, developing and evaluating population-based approaches to improve health and reduce inequalities in the UK.
- Global Public Health. Investigating and developing approaches to improving global public health, including work in low, middle and higher income countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Asia.
The scientific objectives of each of our research groups are closely aligned to one or more of these themes, and we have groups in a range of complementary research areas. This includes the aetiology and mechanisms of diabetes and related metabolic disorders, nutritional and physical activity measurement and epidemiology, prevention-focused research in young people and adult populations, global public health, and interventions in patient populations. More about our research groups
Studies
The Unit’s research themes and groups are supported by a core set of prospective cohort studies, detailed quantitative trait metabolic studies, case-control studies and trials that serve both aetiological and preventive purposes. More about our research studies
Research operations
Underpinning our science and studies are specialist Research Operations teams. These include data management, information technology, laboratory analysis, statistics, physical activity and anthropometric measurement, study coordination, field epidemiology, and communications. More about our Research Operations teams
Research publications
Access all our current and historical publications, along with supplementary material.
Data sharing
The IMS Epidemiology Unit data sharing portal provides access to our study meta-data. It includes summary details of our studies and data dictionaries which describe the types of data that are available. More about our data sharing policies and resources.
Research Integrity
We aim to achieve our objectives while adhering to the highest ethical standards and working in accordance with requirements of the University of Cambridge and our funders, legislation and guidance from regulatory bodies as well as local ethical and governance frameworks. IMS Epidemiology also acts in accordance with the University of Cambridge Clinical School policies. These standards for good research practice underpin the quality of science and ensure the integrity of outputs. This provides assurance to those whose work builds on the findings of others to drive improvements in health and also supports public confidence and participation in research.