Luke Munford

Dr. Luke Munford is a Senior Lecturer in Health Economics at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care. His research focuses on applied health economics and microeconometrics, particularly investigating the determinants of health beyond healthcare systems and health inequalities. He co-leads the “Health in a wider context” research theme and teaches modules in Health Economics. Previously, he held an MRC Skills Development Fellowship (2016–2019).

Education:

• BSc Economics and Mathematics (University of Sheffield, 2009)
• MSc Economics and Health Economics (University of Sheffield, 2010)
• PhD Economics (University of Sheffield, 2014)

Research Interests:

Munford explores relationships between health and economic outcomes, geographic inequalities, community assets, commuting modes, political ideologies, and healthcare incentives. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health equity and poverty reduction.

Professional Roles:

• Member of Health Economists' Study Group (HESG), International Health Economics Association (iHEA), and others.
• Coordinator of Policy@Manchester’s New Researcher Network.

Grants & Projects:

• Lead/co-investigator on projects like the Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research and Organisations of Hope for health equity.
• NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (2019–2024).

Labs & Collaborations:

Collaborates with institutions like the Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, focusing on interdisciplinary health equity initiatives. His work includes developing community resilience indices and analyzing regional health disparities.

Awards:

• MRC Skills Development Fellowship (2016–2019)
• Rensburg Shephards Prize for Financial and Quantitative Economics (2009)