Spotlight on Dr Aradhna Kaushal

Aradhna Kaushal

Lecturer (Teaching) in Public Health

Epidemiology & Public Health
Faculty of Population Health Sciences

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am a Lecturer in Public Health for the Online Master of Public Health (MPH) programme at UCL. My main responsibility is to lead teaching delivery and design in the Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health. I am actively involved in various research epidemiology and behavioural science projects focused on strategies to improve early cancer diagnosis, and have a particular interest in patient and public involvement and co-production methods in research. In the past year, I was awarded a policy fellowship via the UCL Researchers in Residence scheme. For this scheme, I was seconded to the Department of Health working closely with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), London region, collaborating with a range of policymakers and stakeholders on current challenges in health equity.

How are you improving the health of the public?

My current work is focused on strategies to address ethnic health inequalities in research and public health. While I was with OHID London, I was working on a project that explored the range of anti-racist approaches to addressing ethnic health inequalities across the UK, focusing on the common barriers, challenges, and examples of best practice. The project culminated in a national roundtable held in September, where the key findings were discussed and created a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and learn from each other. 

What do you find most interesting or enjoyable about your work?

Public health is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new research, technologies, and methodologies and I enjoy learning about it all and keeping my skills up to scratch. Being able to work with a variety of people and contribute to improving public health outcomes is fulfilling and motivates me every day. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is teaching on the MPH programme. It is a privilege to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and regions, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom. This diversity enriches the learning environment and fosters a deeper understanding of global public health challenges. On a personal level, it is very rewarding to see our students develop their skills and confidence as they progress through the programme.  

What did you learn from your secondment with OHID and what advice would you give others interested in applying?

My secondment with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the differences between working in a policy setting and an academic environment. The pace of work in a policy setting is significantly faster, with a focus on immediate and practical outcomes. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, quick decision-making, and effective communication. It also provided me with a deeper understanding of how public health policies are formulated and implemented, and how these policies interact with the broader political system. This was especially interesting as my secondment took place during the London Mayoral election and the UK General Election in 2024. For those interested in applying for a similar secondment, I would advise being open to new experiences and ready to embrace the fast-paced nature of policy work. It is a fantastic opportunity to expand your professional network, gain practical insights, and make a tangible impact on public health.

What’s next on the research horizon for you?

Moving forward, my immediate priority is to write up the findings from my recent project on anti-racist approaches to tackling ethnic health inequalities. This will involve synthesising the data collected from stakeholder interviews and the national roundtable and disseminating the results through publications and presentations. Beyond this, I am committed to continuing my work in the field of anti-racism in public health. I plan to focus on evaluating the effectiveness of various programmes and interventions aimed at reducing ethnic health disparities. This ongoing research will help to identify best practices and inform future public health strategies.

If you could make one change in the world today, what would it be?

There are many challenges facing our world today, it can feel overwhelming and hard to know where to begin. However, one change I would make would be to embed co-production and lived experience into all aspects of public health and social care. Co-production involves working in equal partnership with individuals and communities, ensuring that their voices and experiences are central to the design, implementation, and evaluation of services. By prioritising lived experience, we can create more effective and responsive health interventions that truly meet the needs of the people they are intended to serve. Community collaborations can create a sense of ownership and empowerment, leading to more sustainable and impactful health outcomes. This approach not only improves the quality of services but also builds trust and strengthens the fabric of our communities.