Policy

LongITools is studying the interactions between environmental, lifestyle, and biological factors to determine the risks of developing cardiometabolic disease. Research findings will be translated into a policy briefing to inform existing or help develop new policies and interventions to reduce the risk of developing these diseases.

How can LongITools help policymakers?

LongITools is committed to working collaboratively with policymakers and key stakeholders throughout the project by providing opportunities to inform the research activity and facilitating the exchange of knowledge. To maximise our research impact, it is critical that the findings are understandable and accessible to all stakeholders, and that research outcomes effectively address the health needs of the population.

LongITools is studying the interactions between environmental, lifestyle and biological factors to determine the risk of developing chronic cardiovascular and metabolic non-communicable diseases. With a focus on air and noise pollution, the built environment and diet, the project will study and measure how exposure to these factors contribute to the risk of developing diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and atherosclerosis across the life-course.

Taking an exposome approach, also referred to as complex systems theory in policymaking, it links individual and societal health to the environment to define disease trajectories. This will ultimately equip policymakers with intelligence about disease risk factors and help them understand how evidence-based decision-making is critical to build more resilient and equitable environments and health systems.

Providing intelligence for robust policymaking

 


LongITools is a member of the European Human Exposome Network (EHEN), the world’s largest cluster of innovative
projects studying the impact of environmental exposures on human health. This network will play a critical role in delivering
impactful exposome research and supporting infrastructure which will contribute to European competitiveness.

How can policymakers engage with us?

There are several ways for policymakers and other stakeholders to connect with the LongITools project.

LongITools’ researchers are also happy to discuss the project with policy stakeholders at any time. For further information please contact
Ola El Saleh at Beta.

WHY SHOULD POLICYMAKERS ENGAGE WITH LONGITOOLS?

For policymakers, making informed, evidence-based decisions is key to successful policy making. Interacting with the LongITools project may lead to several benefits for policymakers and other stakeholders, including an opportunity to:

  • Have early and direct access to leading experts and academics, and intelligence on the latest research, to develop or reinforce knowledge in the prevention of non-communicable diseases;
  • Contribute to and inform LongITools research and the European Human Exposome Network;
  • Develop trusted relationships, and exchange knowledge and expertise with, other policymakers and relevant stakeholders;
  • Be the first to test and apply research results in their local communities;
  • Become a local ‘trail blazer’ for innovation.

Why should policymakers get involved in research

Dr Rupert Suckling, (former) Public Health Director, Doncaster Council, UK, and LongITools Advisory Board Member

“There are several reasons why I believe it is important for policymakers like me to get involved in research. From a professional perspective it is very rewarding, but it also means that you are more up to date on the latest thinking. I get involved because local people don’t get enough attention. Part of my job is to bring research to Doncaster and have it focus on the problems experienced locally. To do that effectively, I need an understanding of how research projects happen, how they come to life and get funded, and how the outputs get translated into actions or policy. That’s why I participate in two European funded research projects, as an External Advisory Board member.”



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