
Professor Nick Townsend
BSc, MSc, PGCE, PGDip, PhD, FHEA
Current positions
Professor
School for Policy Studies
Contact
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Research interests
Nick specialises in the development and implementation of evidence-informed policies to address public health challenges, with a strong focus on population-level strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). His work spans the entire policy lifecycle: from identifying health needs and designing targeted interventions to adapting these solutions to local contexts, ensuring effective implementation, and scaling them sustainably over time.
Central to Nick’s research is an emphasis on addressing the social and structural determinants of health through collaborative, multi-sectoral approaches to health promotion. His work takes a global perspective, with a particular focus on improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Nick has collaborated extensively with leading international organisations, governments, NGOs, and academic institutions, including the World Health Organization (WHO) at global and regional levels, the World Bank, the European Society of Cardiology, and both UK and international policymakers. His expertise bridges academic research and real-world policy action, contributing to transformative health improvements worldwide.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
Community Participatory Research for Adolescent Health Promotion in Diverse Communities in Bangladesh
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School for Policy StudiesDates
31/10/2024 to 31/03/2025
Thesis supervisions
Publications
Recent publications
07/01/2026Feasibility and acceptability of 7-day smartphone-based, activity-triggered Ecological Momentary Assessment among low-income older adults
Innovation in Aging
Implementation challenges of professional sport club-led health promotion in primary schools
Sport, Education and Society
Stakeholder perceptions of the utility of SNA visuals in strengthening community-based health programmes
Critical Public Health
Challenges in the prevention, treatment and management of cardiovascular disease among older adults
The Lancet Regional Health - Europe
Increasing confidence and competence in supporting behaviour change in physiotherapy practice using Making Every Contact Count Healthy Conversation Skills
BMC Health Services Research

