Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Medway profiles

As the Director of the NIHR HDRC Medway and Deputy Director of Public Health at Medway Council, Dr Whiting leads initiatives to address health inequalities in the region.

He has a Doctor of Philosophy and has contributed to over 67 publications, amassing more than 13,000 citations in the field of public health. Dr Whiting's expertise encompasses epidemiology, diabetes, and public health interventions.

Professor Forbes is the Academic Lead for the NIHR HDRC Medway and Clinical Professor of Public Health at the University of Kent's Centre for Health Services Studies.

She leads the Public Health theme of the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. She is driven by the need to build evidence to improve health through action on the physical and psychosocial environment, as well as local government capability to use and deliver research findings.

Emma is a Senior Public Health Research Manager at Medway Council with over 20 years’ experience in operational research in:

• health
• policing
• local councils/charities.

Emma leads the Medway HDRC Research Team to deliver high-quality research and evidence products to impact on local council policy and practice.

As the Senior Public Health Programme and Compliance Manager for HDRC Medway, Robin leads the programme management of the HDRC. Robin also manages the operations team, who is responsible for:

• governance and regulatory arrangements
• research ethics
• monitoring and reporting
• finance and administration
• marketing and engagement.

Robin has worked for Medway Council Public Health for years, managing a variety of programmes from substance misuse and sexual health to Start For Life initiatives.

Dr Hotham is a Senior Research Fellow and BPS Chartered Psychologist at the University of Kent's Centre for Health Services Studies.

Her expertise is in applied public health research and behavioural psychology. She specialises in implementation science approaches to evaluate interventions, training programmes and translating evidence into public health and primary care settings.

Rick Pataky is a Medway resident with a strong background in community advocacy, having served as a trustee and chair for charities supporting those facing:

• poverty
• unemployment
• immigration challenges
• LGBTQ+ discrimination.

He currently sits on the Independent Advisory Group Board for Kent Police (Medway), volunteers with Medway Healthwatch, and is part of the national Public and Community Partnerships Advisory Board for the Specialist Centre for Public Health.

With lived and professional experience in homelessness, mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, disability, and loneliness, Rick is passionate about giving back to his community. He sees HDRC Medway as a vital opportunity to drive research that saves lives and makes Medway a more inclusive place to live.