LSHTM Centre for History in Public Health (CHiPH)

Description

Historical research is of central relevance to understanding public health in the present. Current developments cannot be understood without a knowledge of the past.

The Centre for History in Public Health was established in 2003, with its origins in the AIDS Social History Programme at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the late 1980s.

Its location within a multidisciplinary public health institution is unique and keeps researchers firmly in the forefront of historical research into public health and health services. Scholars are also continuously building links other areas of related interest, such as LSHTM’s archives.

Research at the Centre covers both public health and health services in high, middle and low income settings. Key programmes currently under way include 'Border crossings: charity and voluntarism in Britain's mixed economy of healthcare since 1948' and 'Ethics and public health law, 1920-2020'.

The Centre promotes teaching via both face-to-face Masters students and distance learning. It also runs a free online course on the history of public health in post-war Britain.

The Centre’ public engagement involves a number activities including films and seminars available to staff, students, and the general public.

Policy engagement is key to the Centre: on the basis of its role within a leading school of public health, the Centre interacts with policy and decision-makers to inform the evidence base.