Celebrating a Legacy: Highlights from UCL’s Health Equity Event

On 17 June 2025, UCL hosted a special event to celebrate the 80th birthday of Prof Sir Michael Marmot, a global leader in public health. His groundbreaking work has shaped generations of thought leaders and transformed global approaches to healthcare. 

Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, UCL’s Pro-Provost (Health), opened the event by praising Prof Sir Michael Marmot’s commitment to global health equity, a legacy that has not only elevated UCL’s reputation but also earned immense respect both within the university and across the world.  His remarks set the tone for a day of thoughtful reflection and dialogue, as subsequent sessions delved deeper into the profound impact of Prof Marmot’s work and the future of health equity.

Session One: Whitehall Studies and the Life Course Approach

• Chair: Martin Bobak (Professor of Epidemiology)
• Panellists: Johannes Siegrist (Senior Professor of Work Stress Research at Duesseldorf University), Anne McMunn (Professor of Social Epidemiology, UCL) and Clare Bambra (Professor of Public Health, Newcastle University).

The first panel explored the scientific and societal impact of Prof Marmot’s research, particularly through the lens of the Whitehall II study.

Johannes opened the session by highlighting the global impact of Whitehall II on international science, particularly due to its focus on midlife, working conditions, and psychobiological factors.  Anne emphasised how Sir Michael’s work illuminated the complex interplay between psychological and social factors in disease, noting that “advocacy based on evidence” was a key lesson she learned from him. Clare reflected on how Michael’s influence extended beyond public health into social sciences and policy.

The panel also discussed practical interventions: Anne pointed to early childhood education and female employment, citing Norway’s paternity leave as a model; Johannes advocated for targeting the meso-social level, starting with support for disadvantaged mothers; and Clare referenced the Marmot Review 2020, which underscored the effects of austerity on work. Martin concluded by stressing the urgency of addressing inequalities worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Session Two: A Global Approach: Challenges and Priorities for Reducing Health Inequalities

• Chair: Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, UCL’s Pro-Provost (Health
• Panellists: Rochelle Burgess (Professor of Global Mental Health and Social Justice at UCL), Erika Placella (Head of Health and Food Section, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation) and Olle Lundberg (Professor of Health Equity Studies, Stockholm University). 

Framing health as a product of social and political forces, the second session explored how broader systems influence wellbeing.

Rochelle opened the session with a powerful statement: “Health is socially and politically determined”, prompting me to reflect on how much of our health lies beyond personal control. She spoke about the unique position of those in the middle of the social gradient to influence where power resides, and shared a key insight she had gained: 'Protecting myself will also protect others', a reminder of the deep interconnectedness between personal and collective health.

Olle offered a historical lens, noting a shift in healthcare discourse since 2008, while Erika highlighted how the pandemic exposed and deepened existing disparities. She shared how her organisation's integration of food and health sectors exemplifies the impact of national-level interventions.

A standout moment came when the panel was asked how to explain social determinants in everyday language. Their answer was simple yet profound: “These are the things that make a good life possible.”

Session 3: Policy, Privilege, Practice

• Chair: Martin Reeves (Chief Executive, Oxfordshire County Council) 
• Panellists: Prof Bola Owlabi (Director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England), Dr Cordelle Ofroi (Director of Public Health, Manchester City Council), Paul Johnston (Chief Executive, Public Health, Scotland) and Pete Gladwell (Group Managing Director, Public Investment). 

Martin opened the final session on a light-hearted note, affectionately referring to Sir Michael as “the Duracell of batteries”, a playful nod to his relentless energy and unwavering commitment over the decades.

Cordelle spoke passionately about Sir Michael, calling him her hero for championing equity through action and policy. Bola highlighted how Marmot’s work has influenced other sectors, noting that even pharmaceutical exams now include modules on health inequalities. Paul added that Scotland has adopted all eight Marmot principles and stressed the need for action over further research. 

When asked what gives them hope, Bola pointed to the 10-Year Health Plan and its inclusive motto, “I am treated equally, no matter who I am,” as a source of optimism. Paul noted growing engagement from local authorities, while Pete emphasised the role of big business in advancing health equity, proposing innovative ideas like investing pension funds in housing. 

Dr Jessica Allen, Deputy Director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity, then took to the stage to share a heartfelt tribute to Sir Michael. She spoke of her deep admiration for his “dignified bravery” and his humility, despite all his remarkable achievements. 

Event close: A Message of Justice and Hope

To close the day, Sir Michael took to the stage with a powerful message: “The opposite of poverty is not wealth, it is justice,” powerfully capturing his belief that health equity is rooted in fairness, not fortune. He added, “We are trying to tell people to be the authors of their own story, not rewriting them,” a sentiment that deeply moved me and reflects his empowering, respectful approach to change.

In the Q&A, he shared three guiding principles: “Seek the truth, work in the spirit of social justice, and be hopeful.” He described himself not as an optimist or pessimist, but as a hopeful person, because hope, unlike certainty, lives in the possibility of change.

In a world increasingly resistant to equity, he urged clarity on where we can make a difference. He closed with Seamus Heaney’s poem Hope and History Rhyme, leaving the audience with a resonant call to action: “Let’s make this a moment where hope and history rhyme.” His words were a moving reminder that health equity is not just about data or policy, but about dignity, justice, and humanity.
President and Provost of UCL, Dr Michael Spence, formally closed the event by honouring Michael’s immense contributions to the field.

Meeting the Man Behind the Mission
After the session, as we gathered for celebratory drinks, I had the honour of speaking with Sir Michael personally. It felt surreal to stand face to face with someone whose work I had first encountered during my A-level studies through the Whitehall research, work that had quietly shaped my understanding of health, inequality, and justice. Sir Michael has inspired generations through his research and tireless advocacy. That day, he didn’t just inspire me intellectually, he moved me personally, and it is a moment that I will always remember!