Public health

Older lady wearing purple top filling up kettle in kitchen sink by the window

We fund research to understand the relationship between people’s mental and physical health and their social and economic circumstances to inform policy and practice interventions. As part of this, through our Oliver Bird Fund, we aim to improve the lives of people living with musculoskeletal conditions.

Our research explores the social and economic implications of physical disability, mental ill health and chronic illness. Examples include exploring the relationship between people’s health and their income and understanding the disability employment gap. We do not fund medical research or research into health or social care systems.

We want to understand more about health inequalities, for example through understanding why ethnicity, socioeconomic status or geography are strongly associated with variation in health outcomes, and how policy or practice might address them.

The  Oliver Bird Fund is dedicated to research into musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Together, these conditions affect over 20 million people in the UK and are the single biggest cause of pain and disability. Our focus is on policy and practice interventions to improve economic and social well-being in those with MSK conditions.

Our team


  • Alex Beer headshot
  • Catherine Dennison headshot

Our impact in public health


  • Research into ethnic health inequalities in later life has shown that these become apparent from around age 30 and continue to widen as people age. These findings are informing the Centre for Ageing Better’s call for government to put in place a national race equality strategy that addresses inequalities among older people.

  • Evidence on the health effects of Sure Start showed that it reduced health inequalities for young children, including a significant reduction in hospitalisations and savings to the NHS. The research will inform the Early Intervention Foundation’s work with local authorities, commissioned by the Department for Education, to design effective early childhood services.

  • Research into health behaviours during the COVID pandemic engaged with the Cabinet Office, Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), the World Health Organisation, NHS England and Public Health England. The study has been influential in planning for mental health service demand, predicting adherence to lockdown measures and identifying groups in need of social or psychological support.

Public health projects

12 of 15 results

Latest in public health

See all

We aim to improve people’s lives by funding research that informs social policy, primarily in Education, Welfare and Justice. We also fund student programmes that give young people skills and confidence in science and research.

We are an open, collaborative and engaged funder that offers more than money. Through connecting the individual projects we fund, we strengthen their collective impact and give voice to an overarching narrative.

Profile