The Martin Centre Research Seminar Series: Virtual Edition: Getting Research into Practice – how to build the nation’s future health today, and reflections on planning implications from Covid-19

There is already strong recognition that the built and natural environment impacts upon our physical health and wellbeing. This recognition is supported by the range and strength of research, evidence and data, notably around issues of neighbourhood design, food environment, transport, housing and the natural environment. However challenges remain in getting research into practice. The spatial planning system exists to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities through a collaborative process among public, private and community actors. It performs key roles in facilitating health-promoting activities to take place at national and local levels. This talk will communicate the importance of harnessing the many levers of the planning system to effect positive transformation in healthy urban environments.  

 

Michael Chang is a Chartered Town Planner and Honorary Member of the UK Faculty of Public Health. Michael has many years of experience and practical knowledge, previously leading the Town and Country Planning Association's Reuniting Health with Planning initiative producing publications on the practice of delivering healthy places through the planning and development process. As Programme Manager for Planning and Health at Public Health England he provides expertise across a number of topic areas including obesity, mental health, lifecourse and physical activity. As part of his commitment to improve the art and science of public health spatial planning, Michael initiated and co-founded the Health and Wellbeing in Planning Network. He is Visiting Fellow at the UK WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Urban Environments.