What are we doing?
In 2020, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) commissioned work to identify the barriers to research in local authority setting. As a result, a number of roles were created across the UK to address some of these barriers, with the aim of increasing research culture in this context. Dr Ifeoma Onyia, Director of Public Health in Halton, is our lead.
In Cheshire & Merseyside, our focus is on creating stronger partnerships, supporting the public health workforce, and ensuring research plays a central role in improving health and reducing inequalities across the region.
We are also part of the North West Research Group that was set up in 2024, Co-chaired by Dr Ifeoma Onyia. They also deliver a range of learning events. If you would like to join the North West Research Group, please contact Michelle.Halfpenny@dhsc.gov.uk directly.
NIHR | Assisting with research collaborations and proposals
NIHR Research Design Service North West provides advice and on all aspects of research design for those planning to submit for funding to support applied health or social care in the North West of England. If you are planning to submit a proposal, you can request advice via their website here.
The NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC NWC is part of the NIHR and hosted by the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB in partnership with the University of Liverpool.
NIHR ARCs are regional collaborations between organisations that undertake applied health and care research. ARCs support applied health and care research that responds to the needs of local populations and health and care systems. For more information: NIHR – Applied Research Collaboration | North West Coast
NIHR Public Health Engagement Lead (PHEL) for Cheshire and Merseyside
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Emma CiclitiraSenior Public Health Practitioner (Liverpool City Council)Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health Engagement Lead (PHEL)In May 2026, NIHR appointed Emma Ciclitira as the Cheshire and Merseyside’s new Public Health Engagement Lead, facilitating collaboration across public health teams, HDRCs, academic partners, and the NIHR Specialist Centre for Public Health. Emma focuses on embedding evidence and research into everyday practice and strengthening research capacity across the public health workforce.
This role aims to connect local authorities, academia, the Health Determinants Research Collaborative (HDRC) and the NIHR Specialist Centre for Public Health to grow research capacity and champion evidence‑informed practice.
Emma works alongside Local Authority Research Practitioners to strengthen relationships with universities across the region and to align policy, training, and upskilling opportunities that empower public health practitioners to undertake research.
Internships
Opportunities for various research internships within ARC North West are available below.
NIHR Research Support Service Specialist Centre for Public Health training and development offer:
Leadership
DPH Lead
The Director of Public Health lead for the Public Health Research Hub is Dr Ifeoma Onyia
More information
Current funding opportunities
Details are available here