Research group

Population, Health and Wellbeing (PHeW)

Museum space viewed from above

Our group specialises in the spatial analysis of census and population data. We study geographical population trends and future population measurement systems.

About

We are a group of researchers addressing the biggest challenges to human health and wellbeing across the globe with studies across numerous Low and Middle Income countries, and within the UK and its diverse, often marginalised, communities.
 
We work with Governments, Policy-Makers, Regulators, Non-Governmental Organisations, Industry and Community Leaders to produce relevant, meaningful and timely research that can support tackling these challenges.
 
Our work answers research questions that address the changing threats to human and planetary health from the climate and biodiversity crisis, including access to safe and sustainable food, clean water, (social) health care delivery, or suitable housing.
 
Our research in diverse geographical contexts spans improving spatial data-infrastructures through to improving understanding of the political, social, cultural and economic context around these challenges. 
 
Our methodologies as a collective are fantastically diverse and often ground-breaking.
 
The global issues our researchers tackle include: 
 
  • disease and pest threats, and their mitigation  
  • poverty alleviation 
  • anti-microbial resistance   
  • clean water and sanitation  
  • food security  
  • food safety in global supply chains  
  • childhood vaccination 
  • supporting census and survey processes 
  • reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health 
  • humanitarian response support 
  • population migration  
  • ‘last mile’ resource delivery 
  • urbanization 
  • population projections 
  • disability social care infrastructure  
  • ethics, cultures of caring and harming (animal research, livestock farming, environments)  
 
Who Funds Us? 
 
  • The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation  
  • The United Nations (UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, UNHCR) 
  • UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences research council 
  • UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council 
  • UKRI Economic and Social Research Council
  • The Wellcome Trust 
  • The Leverhulme Trust   
  • UKRI Medical Research Council
  • British Academy 
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research
  • The Royal Geographical Society 
  • The Childrens Investment Fund Foundation 
  • The World Bank 
  • The European Commission 
  • GAVI 
  • USAID 
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Research highlights

Population mapping saves lives

A University of Southampton research group is using new ways of mapping and counting populations to help developing countries. WorldPop's datasets have helped to eradicate polio in Nigeria and assist earthquake victims in Nepal.

People, projects and publications

People