Recognising the Global Impact of Professor Azeem Majeed’s Research

At NIHR ARC Northwest London, we are proud to highlight the incredible contributions of our Director, Professor Azeem Majeed, whose contributions to public health research have made a profound impact globally. As Professor and Head of the Department of Primary Care & Public Health at Imperial College London, his extensive research spans several areas, including healthcare systems, chronic disease management, and pandemic preparedness.

A recent feature in The BMJ reflects on Professor Majeed’s extensive career and the impact of his research—spanning healthcare systems, chronic disease management, and responses to global health crises. As one of the most highly cited researchers in primary care globally, his work has influenced key areas such as disease prevention, health surveillance, and NHS workforce development, ensuring that evidence-based strategies reach policymakers, clinicians, and communities.

Professor Majeed’s latest analysis article in The BMJ collection, Research Priorities for Future Shocks, evaluates the challenges of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as lockdowns and mask-wearing. His research underscores the need for real-time, high-quality evidence to inform public health decisions, ensuring that interventions are effective while mitigating unintended social and economic consequences.

Reflecting on his approach to patient-centred research, Prof. Majeed states:

“The feedback we receive from patients helps shape the direction of our research and ensures that the findings are relevant and impactful. Increasingly, we are also involving patients as co-authors in our publications, which is a crucial step in recognising their contribution to the research process.”

This patient and public involvement focus is a cornerstone of NIHR ARC NWL’s mission. Prof. Majeed’s work highlights the importance of aligning academic research with the communities' needs, ensuring that findings are relevant and actionable for improving health outcomes.

Through his longstanding relationship with The BMJ, Prof. Majeed continues to push boundaries in public health research, informing both academic discussions and real-world health policies. His influence extends beyond academia, driving critical dialogues that contribute to more effective healthcare policies.

The full article in The BMJ highlights his long-standing collaboration with the journal group and the role of academic publishing in driving evidence-based change. At NIHR ARC NWL, we are privileged to work alongside Professor Majeed to translate research into measurable health and care improvements for communities across Northwest London and beyond.