Susan Elliott recognized for building bridges between health science and policy

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Susan Elliott smiling

Susan Elliott, a researcher in Geography and Environmental Management joins an esteemed group of international health researchers in receiving the 2020 Melinda S. Meade Distinguished Scholarship Award in Health and Medical Geography.

The award is given annually to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancements of health and/or medical geography research. Contributions recognized by the Award are broadly conceived, including contributions to all specializations and perspectives in health and/or medical geography.

Elliott who leads the Geographies of Health in Place (GoHelP) lab in the Faculty of Environment was chosen not only for her research output but also leading lead large research opportunities that also had the opportunity to influence policy.

“My team has worked very hard to ensure that we work closely with our partners on the ground through an integrated knowledge translation approach,” said Elliott. “This has resulted in changes in the way that research is done, but also allows us to share the research results with our partners so that they can use that to advocate for their own needs.”

The majority of her research is characterized by science-policy bridging; that is, how can science affect policy and hence human health. She is the Principal Investigator for GLOWING – the Global Index of Wellbeing initiative.

“I am humbled to be recognized by my disciplinary peers and to be in such amazing company.”