Research at IRH
Over the years, the IRH has developed a broad programme of research across rural health issues and has been awarded in excess of £1m in research grants. We have been commissioned by:
- Department of Health
- Defra
- Welsh Assembly Government
- Countryside Council for Wales
- Commission for Rural Communities
- Health and Safety Executive
- Powys Local Health Board
Research strengths
With over 10 years experience in rural health research IRH has built up an extensive knowledge base on a range of issues including:
- green care
- mental health
- suicide
- rural stress
- substance misuse
- farm accidents
- the impact of foot and mouth disease
- environmental health
- medical education
Underlying principle of research at IRH
The underlying principle of IRH research is to gather evidence which can be used to tackle inequalities in health and services within rural areas, and between rural and urban areas.
Research Advisory Group
The Research Advisory Group which is chaired by Professor Linda McKie (Glasgow Caledonian University and a Trustee of IRH) has members drawn from the health and research sectors in England, Wales and Scotland. The Research Advisory Group meets quarterly and supports the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the research strategy.
Research Strategy 2009-2013
During Rural Health Week 2009 the IRH launched its new Research Strategy at a research seminar in Birmingham on 29th September 2009. The Research Advisory Group has highlighted three cross cutting themes (the aging rural community, poverty and deprivation, community sustainability) which underpin the four identified foci for research during the next five years. The four foci are: Access to services, chronic disease, Health and the sustainable environment and Rural medical, health and social care education.
Further information
If you would like further information please contact:
Dr Fiona Williams
Research Manager