Neil Thomas

Neil Thomas is Professor of Epidemiology and Research Methods at the University of Birmingham, Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences. He concurrently serves as Regional Director of the NIHR Research Design Service West Midlands and as the Institute’s Director of Research Knowledge and Transfer, while Co-Directing the Master of Health Research Methods programme.

Education:

• PhD in Genetic Epidemiology of Hypertension, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics

Research Interests:

Professor Thomas leads an international portfolio investigating the determinants and consequences of cardiometabolic disease. His two-pronged approach combines (1) large-scale epidemiological cohort studies examining environmental (air pollution, temperature), lifestyle (diet, physical activity, sleep) and genetic risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia; and (2) intervention trials assessing pharmacological and behavioural strategies for prevention and control. His work spans Europe and Asia, with landmark studies in Hong Kong, mainland China, Iran and Germany.

Scientific Output & Impact:

With over 250 peer-reviewed publications and an H-index of 54, Professor Thomas has influenced clinical practice and public health policy. His findings appear in leading journals such as The Lancet, BMJ, European Heart Journal, Stroke and Diabetes Care. He currently holds more than £17 million in research funding, over £6 million as principal investigator.

Editorial & Review Roles:

• Editorial Advisory Board member for 7 international journals
• Panel Chair and reviewer for national & international funding agencies

Teaching & Supervision:

He coordinates the dissertation module for the Master of Health Research Methods and Public Health programmes and has successfully supervised 14 PhD completions while currently mentoring 7 doctoral students.

Active Projects:

• IMPROVE DKD Trial – Digital intervention for diabetes & chronic kidney disease in older adults (Co-I)
• Type 1 Diabetes beta-cell preservation therapies (Co-I, JDRF)
• Digital care-pathways for multiple long-term conditions in Sri Lanka (Co-I, NIHR)
• NIHR RSS National Collaborative Strategic Lead Function (PI)
• NIHR Birmingham–Keele–Warwick Research Support Service (PI)