Professor Padam Simkhada’s research is situated within global public health, with a strong emphasis on health systems, migration and health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and evidence-informed policymaking, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. His work combines methodological rigour with policy relevance, and is characterised by extensive international collaboration.

Past Research

Professor Simkhada’s earlier research focused on key public health challenges in South Asia and other global contexts, including:

• Maternal, reproductive and sexual health, with a particular focus on maternal mortality, sexual behaviour, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence
• Health promotion and community-based interventions, addressing social determinants of health and equity
• Health systems research, including evaluations of primary health care, federalisation, and governance reforms
• Migration and health, examining the health and wellbeing of labour migrants and their families, including vulnerabilities, occupational health risks, and access to services
• Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, particularly among marginalised and migrant populations

This work has informed national and international policy debates, including advisory roles with governments, NGOs, and international organisations.

Current Research

Professor Simkhada is currently leading and contributing to several large-scale, internationally funded research programmes that focus on generating impactful, policy-relevant evidence:

• Multi-country longitudinal cohort studies on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nepal, India, and Ghana, examining risk factors, epidemiological transitions, and health system responses
• Health systems strengthening and policy analysis, including evidence-informed policymaking at national and sub-national levels
• Migration and health, with ongoing research on the health outcomes, mortality, and reintegration experiences of migrant workers in the Middle East, Malaysia, and Europe
• Ageing and dementia research, including dementia prevalence and caregiver experiences in Ghana
• Evidence synthesis and research methodology, with extensive expertise in systematic reviews, realist reviews, mixed-methods research, and longitudinal study design

He is the founder and lead of the Global Consortium for Public Health Research, which brings together international academics, policymakers, and practitioners to advance collaborative research, capacity building, and global impact.

Across all his research, Professor Simkhada is committed to international collaboration, research excellence, and translating evidence into policy and practice, aligning closely with the University of Chester’s ambitions for global impact and research leadership.