Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series: Estimating the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity in Scotland Speaker: Professor Nick Townsend, University of BristolChair: Professor Marie Murphy, University of EdinburghAbout this eventThis hybrid seminar presents collaborative research conducted with colleagues from the University of Edinburgh’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC) and Public Health Scotland, exploring the burden of disease in Scotland attributable to physical inactivity (PiA).Drawing on data from national health surveys, mortality records, and the Scottish Burden of Disease (SBOD) study, the analysis estimates that in 2022, physical inactivity contributed to 3,185 deaths and 11,474 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Strikingly, more than 80% of this burden arose among individuals with "very low activity" levels. The findings also reveal significant regional inequalities in PiA-related mortality and DALYs across NHS boards and local authorities. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted public health strategies to increase physical activity, particularly among the most inactive groups, in order to reduce health inequalities and improve long-term population health in Scotland.About the speakerNick is Professor in the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol. He specialises in developing and implementing evidence-informed policies to tackle major public health challenges, with a particular emphasis on population-level strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). His work spans the full policy cycle—from identifying health needs and designing targeted interventions, to adapting solutions for local contexts, ensuring effective implementation, and supporting sustainable scale-up. He has collaborated widely with leading international organisations, governments, NGOs, and academic institutions. These include the World Health Organization (WHO) at both global and regional levels, the World Bank, the European Society of Cardiology, and a range of UK and international policymakers. His UK-based work includes partnerships with governments and NGOs to assess the health burden of physical inactivity and to inform policy strategies that promote increased physical activity at a population level. If you have any questions about this event, please email MHSES-RKEI-Events@ed.ac.uk. Tags Sport Research centres, groups and networks Research events Conferences, seminars and lectures Jun 18 2025 12.00 - 13.00 Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series: Estimating the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity in Scotland This public lecture, hosted by the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), features Professor Nick Townsend of the University of Bristol. This is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment. Godfrey Thomson Hall, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh and online on Microsoft Teams Book your free ticket on Eventbrite
Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series: Estimating the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity in Scotland Speaker: Professor Nick Townsend, University of BristolChair: Professor Marie Murphy, University of EdinburghAbout this eventThis hybrid seminar presents collaborative research conducted with colleagues from the University of Edinburgh’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC) and Public Health Scotland, exploring the burden of disease in Scotland attributable to physical inactivity (PiA).Drawing on data from national health surveys, mortality records, and the Scottish Burden of Disease (SBOD) study, the analysis estimates that in 2022, physical inactivity contributed to 3,185 deaths and 11,474 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Strikingly, more than 80% of this burden arose among individuals with "very low activity" levels. The findings also reveal significant regional inequalities in PiA-related mortality and DALYs across NHS boards and local authorities. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted public health strategies to increase physical activity, particularly among the most inactive groups, in order to reduce health inequalities and improve long-term population health in Scotland.About the speakerNick is Professor in the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol. He specialises in developing and implementing evidence-informed policies to tackle major public health challenges, with a particular emphasis on population-level strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). His work spans the full policy cycle—from identifying health needs and designing targeted interventions, to adapting solutions for local contexts, ensuring effective implementation, and supporting sustainable scale-up. He has collaborated widely with leading international organisations, governments, NGOs, and academic institutions. These include the World Health Organization (WHO) at both global and regional levels, the World Bank, the European Society of Cardiology, and a range of UK and international policymakers. His UK-based work includes partnerships with governments and NGOs to assess the health burden of physical inactivity and to inform policy strategies that promote increased physical activity at a population level. If you have any questions about this event, please email MHSES-RKEI-Events@ed.ac.uk. Tags Sport Research centres, groups and networks Research events Conferences, seminars and lectures Jun 18 2025 12.00 - 13.00 Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series: Estimating the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity in Scotland This public lecture, hosted by the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), features Professor Nick Townsend of the University of Bristol. This is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment. Godfrey Thomson Hall, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh and online on Microsoft Teams Book your free ticket on Eventbrite
Jun 18 2025 12.00 - 13.00 Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series: Estimating the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity in Scotland This public lecture, hosted by the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), features Professor Nick Townsend of the University of Bristol. This is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment.
