Transport expert awarded public health scholarship
Dr Adrian Davis, Professor of Transport and Health at Edinburgh Napier University's Transport Research Institute has been recognised with a prestigious award.
He has received the Champion of Evidence Award from the Faculty of Public Health, one of two recipients of the Bazalgette Professorship which is presented to academics who have used their research to benefit UK population health.
Professor Davis has investigated road transport policies such as the 20 mph speed limit in the Borders in recent years as well as active travel. He worked with Dr Sarah Jones from Public Health Wales who is the other winner of the scholarship. The two academics presented supporting evidence to the Welsh Government which implemented the 20mph limit.
Adrian Davis at The Scottish Parliament
Professor Davis said: 'It is a real honour to be awarded this professorship, alongside Dr Sarah Jones.
'To be the first inter-disciplinary researchers addressing road transport to be honoured with the title demonstrates the recognition as to the serious public health implications of both the physical and social environment largely shaped for private motorised transport.
'In an age of widespread misinformation, science can fight back.
'I hope to follow in the tradition of Joseph Bazalgette, who was part of the first wave of public health, through engineering.
'I will redouble my efforts in applying robust evidence to make a positive difference to lives, as we confront the diseases and conditions which today threaten population health.'
A membership organisation for around 6,000 public health professionals across the UK, the Faculty of Public Health awards the Bazalgette Professorship Champion of Evidence Award in recognition of the wider good that results from the translation of public health research into services, infrastructure and the environment.
It is named after Joseph Bazalgette, known for devising London's first effective sewer system in the 19th century – which helped to eradicate cholera and other water-borne diseases from the city, saving thousands of lives.
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