The University of Northampton welcomes Dr Akeem Ali as Visiting Professor

Date 16.11.2015

The University of Northampton is pleased to welcome Dr Akeem Ali as a Visiting Professor in Public Health Practice.

As the Director of Public Health and Wellbeing at Northamptonshire County Council, Dr Ali brings a wealth of knowledge of public health practice and management to the University, which will enrich staff knowledge and research and the student experience. His previous roles have included Director of Public Health for Surrey county and Herefordshire county and International Health Operations Manager and Health Advise for medical charity, Merlin.

Dr Ali’s role within the University will be to advise on public health related research projects and to give specialist lectures to doctoral and to post graduate students studying on the MSc Public Health.

Professor Carol Phillips, Deputy Dean of the School of Health and Director of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Northampton commented: “We are very pleased that Dr Ali has agreed to accept a visiting professorship here at the University. His appointment reflects and strengthens the collaboration that exists between the University and the Department of Public Health and Northamptonshire County Council as a whole. We are looking forward to working together on the health and wellbeing agenda for Northamptonshire.”

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton commented: “Dr Ali has a vital role to play as Director of Public Health and Wellbeing at Northamptonshire County Council in shaping healthcare for the people of Northamptonshire. I am delighted he will be working closely with the University to this end.”

Councillor Robin Brown, Northamptonshire County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing said: “I am really pleased that Dr Ali has this opportunity to work more closely with the University of Northampton, and in doing so will further cement the effective relationship both organisations already have together and help support the public health and wellbeing goals the county council is working to achieve.” ​

Dr Paul Blantern, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire County Council said: “It’s great news that Dr Ali will be joining the University of Northampton as a Visiting Professor in Public Health Practice. Increasingly the preventative role that public health plays in delivering improved wellbeing (health and happiness!) and working even more closely with the University on this agenda will be great for the people of Northamptonshire.”