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Dr Robert Aldridge named runner-up in the Letten Prize 2018

7 August 2018

Dr Robert Aldridge (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) will be awarded a runner's up prize as part of the 2018 Letten Prize for young researchers.

Dr Robert Aldridge

 

Dr Robert Aldridge
Dr Aldridge was chosen from over 200 applicants from all over the world. He is recognised for his research in the areas of epidemiology, public health, migration, and data science.

The panel noted: "His interest in migration is both timely and relevant in the context of the present call. Aldridge is spot on when he asks for better data, evidence and accountability in the current discourse on migration."

"Dr Aldridge is member of the Lancet Commission on Migration and Health. In this capacity he has studied health outcomes for international migrants. He has identified significant voids in our knowledge of this important issue. There is an urgent need to attend to migrants’ right to health and to come up with the data that are needed for sound decision making.

"He has made significant contributions in this field. He has examined the risk of tuberculosis among international migrants and showed how this risk can be alleviated by improved screening. This work has informed new guidelines and has received much attention internationally.

"His research plan is focused on the establishment of a Migration and Health Observatory. The idea is that this observatory will provide data on the size and health outcomes of the world’s migrant populations and create a monitoring framework within the realm of UN’s sustainable development goals. The Observatory will also develop a training program set to challenge prejudice and racism in the public discourse on migration and migration politics. Accountability will be another key issue for the proposed platform.

"Dr Aldridge has published in leading international journals including the Lancet and has worked creatively across disciplines to shed light on the health challenges of the migrant populations. He has an impressive track record when it comes to academic and clinical experience and is the recipient of several prizes and awards. His work goes back to the roots of epidemiology as a discipline set to highlight social inequality.

"In sum, Dr Aldridge has addressed one of the major challenges in present day society – the health and health care of the world’s migrant populations. He has worked across borders and disciplines and has impacted international guidelines. His plan for a Migration and Health Observatory is original and timely. Aldridge is a highly qualified runner-up for the Letten Prize."

About the prize

The Letten Prize of 2 million NOK (around £188,500) will be awarded every other year to a young researcher under the age of 45 who conducts research aimed at solving global challenges within the fields of health, development, environment and equality in all aspects of human life. The prize is awarded by the Letten Foundation in partnership with the Young Academy of Norway. The prize honours the legacy of Prof. Letten F. Saugstad (1925-2014). The prize will be awarded in Oslo on 13 September. 

For more information about the runners-up, visit the www.lettenprize.com