Advancing Community Health Through Human-Centred Approaches
The Social and Behavioural Sciences domain brings together a diverse faculty united by a common purpose: to improve population health by addressing the complex social, behavioural, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. Grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, the domain applies evidence-based strategies to promote health equity, wellbeing, and resilience across communities.
Areas of expertise span a broad range of public health priorities, including:
- Social and behavioural determinants of health
- Health promotion and risk communication
- Maternal, child, and reproductive health
- Prevention of infectious and chronic diseases
- Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing
- Lifestyle behaviours and health equity
- Global health and community health systems
Innovation in Research, Policy and Education
The domain is committed to methodological innovation and translational impact. Faculty lead cutting-edge research using a range of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. This includes:
- Digital health technologies and interventions
- Implementation science and health services research
- Participatory action research and community-based approaches
- Policy evaluation and health programme design
These approaches enable the development of public health strategies that are contextually relevant, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded. The domain’s work informs the design of targeted health interventions, national campaigns, and inclusive health policies.
Building Public Health Capacity
Education and training are integral to the domain’s mission. Faculty contribute to the School’s teaching programmes by delivering foundational and advanced courses in behavioural and social sciences, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address real-world public health challenges.
Through community partnerships and policy engagement, the domain also plays an active role in shaping health discourse and amplifying community voices in public health decision-making. By fostering cross-sector collaboration and empowering future leaders, the domain advances its vision of healthier, more equitable societies.