In 1994, I was appointed as Director with HealthNet International, an agency specialised in post-conflict health development. A period as public health consultant based in Uganda preceded my recent appointment as Senior Lecturer in Public Health and Humanitarian Aid. My current work focuses on the development of the evidence base for public health interventions in complex emergencies and related settings, through applied research, its dissemination, and promotion of good practice. In this field sound public health practice needs to be adapted to a very particular context taking into account causes of conflicts, principles of humanitarian action, beneficiary perspectives, and often difficult access to populations in need. Research activities will increasingly be field based, working inside such contexts in close collaboration with local and international stakeholders.
Dissemination is through teaching, workshops, publications, and web-based initiatives.