Catherine El Zerbi

Catherine El Zerbi is a Senior Research Fellow in Sustainability (RSS) at Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine, Department of Health Research. Her work focuses on interdisciplinary and mixed methods applied health research, with expertise in planetary health, environmentally sustainable healthcare innovations, arts for health, and co-development approaches to reduce health inequalities.

Her research includes projects like Rooted in Nature, which explores nature-based interventions and youth participation, and studies on Universal Credit’s impact on children and families. She has contributed to initiatives such as optimising mental health support in schools and equitable access to pediatric care. Her activities include invited talks at conferences like the Royal Geographical Society Annual International Conference and workshops with the Department for Work & Pensions.

Key projects include developing North East and North Cumbria Children’s Research Partnerships, mutual aid studies during the pandemic, and evaluations of musical interventions in mental health settings. Her work emphasizes collaboration with communities and stakeholders to ensure inclusive and asset-based methodologies.