Andrew David Cliff

Andrew David Cliff is a Professor at the Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, with a career spanning over five decades. He has held significant administrative roles including Head of Department (1999-2001), Chair of the School of Physical Science (2001-03), and Pro-vice-counsellor since 2004.

• Education: PhD and DSc from the University of Bristol
• Research Focus: Geography of epidemics, spatial processes, historical disease mapping, and conflict-related health crises

Cliff's research explores the intersection of geography and public health, emphasizing the spatial dynamics of infectious diseases across historical contexts. His work includes groundbreaking studies on avian influenza, poliomyelitis, cholera, and smallpox, often analyzing their diffusion in war zones and isolated regions.

His publications from 2000-2008 highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining geography, epidemiology, and historical analysis, with a focus on computational frameworks, island epidemiology, and the role of conflict in disease spread. Key journals include Annals of the Association of American Geographers and Medical History.

• Member, Academia Europaea (2002)
• Member, Historical and Cultural Geography research cluster
• Editorial Board, Statistical Methods in Medical Research
• Fellow of the Society of Study (FSS 1968)
• Fellow of the British Academy (FBA 1996)
• Chartered Geographer (CGeog 2002)

Cliff has been affiliated with Christ's College, Cambridge, as Director of Studies (1973-) and Fellow (1974-). He has also collaborated with global institutions like the WHO and CDC through visiting scholar roles.