The MRC Epidemiology Unit studies the genetic, developmental and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders, as well as approaches to the prevention of these diseases and their consequences. Unit research aims are addressed through a core set of observational and experimental studies, including large scale case-cohort studies (e.g. EPIC-InterAct), smaller quantitative trait studies (e.g. Fenland) and trials (e.g. Addition).

The Unit has a major role in teaching and training, not only with established PhD and post-doctoral programmes, but also in disseminating best practice in epidemiological methods, such as the measurement of physical activity. It is also at the heart of international efforts to train clinical and public health researchers in diabetes epidemiology through the World Health Organisation / International Diabetes Federation seminar, which has been held inCambridgesince 1981 and via regional satellite sessions across five continents.

The Unit is actively involved in translation of its work, both into biological and clinical fields through partnerships with theInstituteofMetabolic Scienceand NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, and into public health practice as part of the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR) and theInstituteofPublic Health. Members of the unit have played prominent roles in the WHO Committee on diagnosis and classification of diabetes, the National UK Committee on screening for diabetes, the NICE committee for prevention of diabetes, and the International Diabetes Federation Global Plan for Diabetes.

Director: Professor Nick Wareham         Website: www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk