Academic government partnerships: Case studies from Singapore on translating public health research to public health policies
Academics often prioritize publication in top-tier journals, as these achievements are closely linked to career advancement and institutional prestige. However, schools of public health should have a broader mandate—one that extends beyond academic recognition to encompass improving the health of populations. Without a focus on practical impact, the role of these institutions may come into question. To this end, public health schools must strive to translate their research findings into actionable policies and programs that address real-world health challenges.
At the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in the National University of Singapore, our aim is to make a tangible difference to health outcomes in Singapore and across Asia. This is achieved through various strategies, including targeted funding mechanisms, academic reward systems that value impact, and sustained engagement with government and policymakers. In this talk, I will share how we work to ensure our research is both useful and impactful, providing case studies of how our school’s research (with a focus on the modelling group) has successfully informed policies and programmes.
In-person event. If you wish to join online, please register here.