Michael Head
@michaelghead.bsky.social
Academic and advocacy-enthusiast, at University of Southampton. Research/teaching covers #publichealth, #globalhealth, #NTDs, #vaccinehesitancy, #climateandhealth. Sometimes seen in #Ghana
Launching December, myself and colleague Jess Boxall have a new personal webspace!
We will do global health stories. There’ll be reflections under the heading of ‘Imagine..’ (for example ‘Imagine you are a pregnant lady bleeding, in a remote community, and it’s the rainy season- what do you do?’)
We will do global health stories. There’ll be reflections under the heading of ‘Imagine..’ (for example ‘Imagine you are a pregnant lady bleeding, in a remote community, and it’s the rainy season- what do you do?’)
October 30, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Launching December, myself and colleague Jess Boxall have a new personal webspace!
We will do global health stories. There’ll be reflections under the heading of ‘Imagine..’ (for example ‘Imagine you are a pregnant lady bleeding, in a remote community, and it’s the rainy season- what do you do?’)
We will do global health stories. There’ll be reflections under the heading of ‘Imagine..’ (for example ‘Imagine you are a pregnant lady bleeding, in a remote community, and it’s the rainy season- what do you do?’)
Reposted by Michael Head
Our global health experts highlight the urgent need for more cancer research funding for lower-income countries, which receive just a small share of money worldwide.
Read more 👉 https://southampton.pulse.ly/hhur5pomai
@michaelghead.bsky.social
Read more 👉 https://southampton.pulse.ly/hhur5pomai
@michaelghead.bsky.social
September 2, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Our global health experts highlight the urgent need for more cancer research funding for lower-income countries, which receive just a small share of money worldwide.
Read more 👉 https://southampton.pulse.ly/hhur5pomai
@michaelghead.bsky.social
Read more 👉 https://southampton.pulse.ly/hhur5pomai
@michaelghead.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Head
Find out how our global health expert Dr @michaelghead.bsky.social and his colleagues @unisouthampton.bsky.social think President Trump cuts could affect worldwide cancer research funding, and how to safeguard it. theconversation.com/how-to-save-...
How to save global cancer research from Trump’s cuts
What happens if Trump cuts cancer research funding?
theconversation.com
September 2, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Find out how our global health expert Dr @michaelghead.bsky.social and his colleagues @unisouthampton.bsky.social think President Trump cuts could affect worldwide cancer research funding, and how to safeguard it. theconversation.com/how-to-save-...
Reposted by Michael Head
Conspiracy theories could harm sustainability www.nature.com/articles/s41...
"...conspiracy beliefs are mostly associated with reduced public health and well-being, weakened social cohesion and deteriorated basic human rights..."
"...mostly negative implications for sustainable attitudes..."
"...conspiracy beliefs are mostly associated with reduced public health and well-being, weakened social cohesion and deteriorated basic human rights..."
"...mostly negative implications for sustainable attitudes..."
June 23, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Conspiracy theories could harm sustainability www.nature.com/articles/s41...
"...conspiracy beliefs are mostly associated with reduced public health and well-being, weakened social cohesion and deteriorated basic human rights..."
"...mostly negative implications for sustainable attitudes..."
"...conspiracy beliefs are mostly associated with reduced public health and well-being, weakened social cohesion and deteriorated basic human rights..."
"...mostly negative implications for sustainable attitudes..."
New paper published - "Global funding for surgical research between 2016 and 2020: content analysis of public and philanthropic investments "
See British Journal of Surgery @bjsurgery.bsky.social
academic.oup.com/bjs/article/...
#surgery #publichealth #globalhealth #funding
See British Journal of Surgery @bjsurgery.bsky.social
academic.oup.com/bjs/article/...
#surgery #publichealth #globalhealth #funding
June 10, 2025 at 8:09 AM
New paper published - "Global funding for surgical research between 2016 and 2020: content analysis of public and philanthropic investments "
See British Journal of Surgery @bjsurgery.bsky.social
academic.oup.com/bjs/article/...
#surgery #publichealth #globalhealth #funding
See British Journal of Surgery @bjsurgery.bsky.social
academic.oup.com/bjs/article/...
#surgery #publichealth #globalhealth #funding
Off to Geneva for the World Health Assembly. Very much looking forward to three days of many interesting events, covering #womenshealth #foodinsecurity #NTDs, and so many other topics!
Like an Edinburgh Festival, for nerds. Heaven 😊
#wha78 #globalhealth #publichealth 🧪
Like an Edinburgh Festival, for nerds. Heaven 😊
#wha78 #globalhealth #publichealth 🧪
May 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Off to Geneva for the World Health Assembly. Very much looking forward to three days of many interesting events, covering #womenshealth #foodinsecurity #NTDs, and so many other topics!
Like an Edinburgh Festival, for nerds. Heaven 😊
#wha78 #globalhealth #publichealth 🧪
Like an Edinburgh Festival, for nerds. Heaven 😊
#wha78 #globalhealth #publichealth 🧪
Reposted by Michael Head
1/Almost 9 years ago I was standing in front of the TV in shock and disbelief over the Brexit vote. To be truthful, my anxiety was not because of the predicted economic consequences. It was because the vote showed me that campaigns based on prejudice work in this country. And it went downhill since.
May 17, 2025 at 5:44 PM
1/Almost 9 years ago I was standing in front of the TV in shock and disbelief over the Brexit vote. To be truthful, my anxiety was not because of the predicted economic consequences. It was because the vote showed me that campaigns based on prejudice work in this country. And it went downhill since.
We have a portfolio of research around the topic of #climatechange and #health, particularly in #Ghana, West Africa.
Many thanks to Jo Fisher for this profile of my and Jess Boxall's research.
www.southampton.ac.uk/research/hig...
@uosmedia.bsky.social #academicsky #globalhealth #publichealth
Many thanks to Jo Fisher for this profile of my and Jess Boxall's research.
www.southampton.ac.uk/research/hig...
@uosmedia.bsky.social #academicsky #globalhealth #publichealth
Developing community-led climate and health solutions in Ghana
www.southampton.ac.uk
May 15, 2025 at 6:06 PM
We have a portfolio of research around the topic of #climatechange and #health, particularly in #Ghana, West Africa.
Many thanks to Jo Fisher for this profile of my and Jess Boxall's research.
www.southampton.ac.uk/research/hig...
@uosmedia.bsky.social #academicsky #globalhealth #publichealth
Many thanks to Jo Fisher for this profile of my and Jess Boxall's research.
www.southampton.ac.uk/research/hig...
@uosmedia.bsky.social #academicsky #globalhealth #publichealth
Reposted by Michael Head
📰 @bondngo.bsky.social's Gideon Rabinowitz:
“UK aid isn’t about charity, it is about global solidarity and responsibility to our international commitments, and it’s an investment in a safer, healthier and more sustainable world that benefits us here in the UK.”
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
“UK aid isn’t about charity, it is about global solidarity and responsibility to our international commitments, and it’s an investment in a safer, healthier and more sustainable world that benefits us here in the UK.”
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Aid groups hit back over development minister’s ‘charity’ comments
Groups said they rejected Baroness Jenny Chapman’s description of aid during her appearance before the Commons International Development Committee.
www.independent.co.uk
May 14, 2025 at 10:55 AM
📰 @bondngo.bsky.social's Gideon Rabinowitz:
“UK aid isn’t about charity, it is about global solidarity and responsibility to our international commitments, and it’s an investment in a safer, healthier and more sustainable world that benefits us here in the UK.”
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
“UK aid isn’t about charity, it is about global solidarity and responsibility to our international commitments, and it’s an investment in a safer, healthier and more sustainable world that benefits us here in the UK.”
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Nice to be recognised! Don't know who the kind soul was, but I've been nominated for Vice Chancellors Award at @unisouthampton.bsky.social. Am very passionate about advoacy to improve public narrative on #researchsky & #universities
@uosmedia.bsky.social @uoscommsallison.bsky.social
#academicsky
@uosmedia.bsky.social @uoscommsallison.bsky.social
#academicsky
May 15, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Nice to be recognised! Don't know who the kind soul was, but I've been nominated for Vice Chancellors Award at @unisouthampton.bsky.social. Am very passionate about advoacy to improve public narrative on #researchsky & #universities
@uosmedia.bsky.social @uoscommsallison.bsky.social
#academicsky
@uosmedia.bsky.social @uoscommsallison.bsky.social
#academicsky
Reposted by Michael Head
“Measles vaccine is one of the best tools we have to protect public health. Like all medicines, there can be a risk of side effects, but the benefits far outweigh them: both for individuals and the community as a whole”
ourworldindata.org/measles-vacc...
ourworldindata.org/measles-vacc...
How effective and safe are measles vaccines?
Data from large meta-analyses show that measles vaccination is highly effective and safe, giving a 95% reduction in the risk of measles.
ourworldindata.org
May 14, 2025 at 10:28 AM
“Measles vaccine is one of the best tools we have to protect public health. Like all medicines, there can be a risk of side effects, but the benefits far outweigh them: both for individuals and the community as a whole”
ourworldindata.org/measles-vacc...
ourworldindata.org/measles-vacc...
Reposted by Michael Head
This is very concerning and getting much less attention than the measles- a range of vaccine preventable conditions increasing in US now
“My concern is that there is going to be a large outbreak of not just measles, but other vaccine-preventable diseases as well, that’s going to end up causing a lot of harm, and possibly deaths in children,” said Dr. Anna Durbin of @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social.
(Published April)
(Published April)
“Not Just Measles”: Whooping Cough Cases Are Soaring as Vaccine Rates Decline
While much of the country is focused on the spiraling measles outbreak, experts warn that whooping cough and other preventable diseases could get much worse with falling vaccination rates and Trump’s…
www.propublica.org
May 14, 2025 at 5:40 AM
This is very concerning and getting much less attention than the measles- a range of vaccine preventable conditions increasing in US now
Reposted by Michael Head
Reposted by Michael Head
Nobel Prize winning science.
Moderna's combo Covid and flu mRNA shot outperforms current vaccines in large trial
A combination shot would make it easier for people to get vaccinated against Covid and the flu at the same time.
www.nbcnews.com
May 10, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Nobel Prize winning science.
Reposted by Michael Head
Pleased to share our latest publication from Refugee Health YYC team ⬇️
This study provides compelling evidence highlighting that refugees can effectively prioritize their healthcare needs and establish research agendas when given the resources to reach consensus.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
This study provides compelling evidence highlighting that refugees can effectively prioritize their healthcare needs and establish research agendas when given the resources to reach consensus.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Empowering refugee voices: Using Nominal Group Technique (NGT) with a diverse refugee Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) to identify health and research priorities in Calgary, Canada
Background Despite rising forced displacement globally, refugees’ health and research priorities are largely unknown. We investigated whether a diverse refugee committee could utilize participatory me...
journals.plos.org
May 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Pleased to share our latest publication from Refugee Health YYC team ⬇️
This study provides compelling evidence highlighting that refugees can effectively prioritize their healthcare needs and establish research agendas when given the resources to reach consensus.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
This study provides compelling evidence highlighting that refugees can effectively prioritize their healthcare needs and establish research agendas when given the resources to reach consensus.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Blog 👇below links to here - www.impactcounter.com/dashboard?vi...
For simplicity, Trump policies are killing >100 people per hour.
For simplicity, Trump policies are killing >100 people per hour.
May 12, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Blog 👇below links to here - www.impactcounter.com/dashboard?vi...
For simplicity, Trump policies are killing >100 people per hour.
For simplicity, Trump policies are killing >100 people per hour.
I have a 0.2 FTE role in @uosmedia.bsky.social as Head of Academic Advocacy. Being the bridge between my fellow academics and media/comms team
See article in @timeshighered.bsky.social
www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/bridg...
#education #university #universities #researchsky #academicsky 🧪
See article in @timeshighered.bsky.social
www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/bridg...
#education #university #universities #researchsky #academicsky 🧪
A bridge between academics and communications staff
Science communication in a post-Covid world calls for a new way to span the gap between researchers and university comms teams – and a new skill set, as Michael Head explains
www.timeshighereducation.com
May 12, 2025 at 5:54 PM
I have a 0.2 FTE role in @uosmedia.bsky.social as Head of Academic Advocacy. Being the bridge between my fellow academics and media/comms team
See article in @timeshighered.bsky.social
www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/bridg...
#education #university #universities #researchsky #academicsky 🧪
See article in @timeshighered.bsky.social
www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/bridg...
#education #university #universities #researchsky #academicsky 🧪
This is why we recommend #vaccines to prevent consequences of very nasty #infectiousdiseases 👇
As the hashtag goes, #vaccineswork 🧪
#publichealth #globalhealth #measles
As the hashtag goes, #vaccineswork 🧪
#publichealth #globalhealth #measles
Recently, I put out a call for people to share their personal experiences with measles, mumps, rubella, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. I heard from dozens of people who discussed their own illnesses as well as those of friends, siblings, and patients. www.statnews.com/2025/05/10/w...
What it’s like to have measles, mumps, whooping cough, and other vaccine-preventable illnesses
STAT readers share what it's link to have measles, mumps, whooping cough, and other vaccine-preventable illnesses. Some stories are from decades past — others are quite recent.
www.statnews.com
May 11, 2025 at 9:16 AM
This is why we recommend #vaccines to prevent consequences of very nasty #infectiousdiseases 👇
As the hashtag goes, #vaccineswork 🧪
#publichealth #globalhealth #measles
As the hashtag goes, #vaccineswork 🧪
#publichealth #globalhealth #measles
New Canadian #flu paper @stephaniedavey.bsky.social
"It is notable that over 1/4 of deaths occurred in children without a medical condition deemed high risk for #influenza complications, highlighting importance of preventative measures for all children."
#vaccines #vaccineswork #publichealth 🧪
"It is notable that over 1/4 of deaths occurred in children without a medical condition deemed high risk for #influenza complications, highlighting importance of preventative measures for all children."
#vaccines #vaccineswork #publichealth 🧪
Which kids are at risk of severe influenza? Our work on pediatric influenza associated mortality was just published - it was an honor to contribute. 👇 www.jpeds.com/article/S002...
Not surprisingly, we conclude "Vaccination efforts should be enhanced to reduce influenza mortality."
Not surprisingly, we conclude "Vaccination efforts should be enhanced to reduce influenza mortality."
Influenza-Associated Mortality Among Children in Canada from 2004 to 2022
We identified 80 pediatric influenza-associated deaths in Canadian pediatric tertiary
hospitals from 2004 to 2022. Children aged <5 years and with high-risk conditions
represented 55% and 77.5% of cas...
www.jpeds.com
May 11, 2025 at 9:12 AM
New Canadian #flu paper @stephaniedavey.bsky.social
"It is notable that over 1/4 of deaths occurred in children without a medical condition deemed high risk for #influenza complications, highlighting importance of preventative measures for all children."
#vaccines #vaccineswork #publichealth 🧪
"It is notable that over 1/4 of deaths occurred in children without a medical condition deemed high risk for #influenza complications, highlighting importance of preventative measures for all children."
#vaccines #vaccineswork #publichealth 🧪
It's wearying to see the universities minister be this unaware of the reality.
Thread below nails many important points 👇
#researchsky #academicsky #university #education 🧪
Thread below nails many important points 👇
#researchsky #academicsky #university #education 🧪
Intriguing report of the thinking of the Universities Minister
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05...
Universities have ‘lost sight of responsibility over public money’
Baroness Smith says institutions failing to rein in spending despite demanding financial support from government
www.telegraph.co.uk
May 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
It's wearying to see the universities minister be this unaware of the reality.
Thread below nails many important points 👇
#researchsky #academicsky #university #education 🧪
Thread below nails many important points 👇
#researchsky #academicsky #university #education 🧪
Do agree with this 👇
We need a university workforce that is comfortable in areas way beyond simply teaching, or 'talking to other scientists at conferences'.
And universities themselves need to provide recognition and guidance for those who choose to put their heads above the parapet.
We need a university workforce that is comfortable in areas way beyond simply teaching, or 'talking to other scientists at conferences'.
And universities themselves need to provide recognition and guidance for those who choose to put their heads above the parapet.
Scientists must lean into uncomfortable roles, like political advocacy, to defend scientific independence.
My thoughts from the 2025 Cambridge Disinformation Summit.
youtu.be/UgA44T1lEPE?...
My thoughts from the 2025 Cambridge Disinformation Summit.
youtu.be/UgA44T1lEPE?...
Univ of Cambridge Professor Jagolinzer on threats to research scientists
YouTube video by Cambridge Disinformation Summit
youtu.be
May 10, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Do agree with this 👇
We need a university workforce that is comfortable in areas way beyond simply teaching, or 'talking to other scientists at conferences'.
And universities themselves need to provide recognition and guidance for those who choose to put their heads above the parapet.
We need a university workforce that is comfortable in areas way beyond simply teaching, or 'talking to other scientists at conferences'.
And universities themselves need to provide recognition and guidance for those who choose to put their heads above the parapet.
Very pleased to have been a co-author on this one :-)
Flu vaccines are imperfect but overwhelmingly beneficial. A higher uptake in priority groups, which includes children, is vital.
🧪 💉
#vaccineswork #flu #influenza #publichealth #globalhealth
Flu vaccines are imperfect but overwhelmingly beneficial. A higher uptake in priority groups, which includes children, is vital.
🧪 💉
#vaccineswork #flu #influenza #publichealth #globalhealth
New publication! My first commentary published with Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.
The commentary is about flu vaccine uptake in children (the subject of my PhD research!)
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
@tandfresearch.bsky.social
The commentary is about flu vaccine uptake in children (the subject of my PhD research!)
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
@tandfresearch.bsky.social
Understanding barriers to influenza vaccination among parents is important to improve vaccine uptake among children
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered public perceptions of vaccines, particularly among parents. In high-income countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, factors such as misi...
www.tandfonline.com
May 9, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Very pleased to have been a co-author on this one :-)
Flu vaccines are imperfect but overwhelmingly beneficial. A higher uptake in priority groups, which includes children, is vital.
🧪 💉
#vaccineswork #flu #influenza #publichealth #globalhealth
Flu vaccines are imperfect but overwhelmingly beneficial. A higher uptake in priority groups, which includes children, is vital.
🧪 💉
#vaccineswork #flu #influenza #publichealth #globalhealth
"Misinformation causes harm, and costs lives"
Quote from me about the explosion in #measles cases- www.dw.com/en/global-me...
We could eradicate measles. No animal host, and about the most effective #vaccine there is
But, one of the key drivers to transmission is spread of misinformation
Quote from me about the explosion in #measles cases- www.dw.com/en/global-me...
We could eradicate measles. No animal host, and about the most effective #vaccine there is
But, one of the key drivers to transmission is spread of misinformation
What's behind the recent measles outbreaks around the world? – DW – 05/07/2025
Vaccine programs almost eradicated measles, but cases are rising again in every part of the world. Health advisors say it's a 'wake-up call' for renewed vaccination efforts.
www.dw.com
May 9, 2025 at 8:30 PM
"Misinformation causes harm, and costs lives"
Quote from me about the explosion in #measles cases- www.dw.com/en/global-me...
We could eradicate measles. No animal host, and about the most effective #vaccine there is
But, one of the key drivers to transmission is spread of misinformation
Quote from me about the explosion in #measles cases- www.dw.com/en/global-me...
We could eradicate measles. No animal host, and about the most effective #vaccine there is
But, one of the key drivers to transmission is spread of misinformation
New round these parts 👋
I'm a #globalhealth researcher, at @unisouthampton.bsky.social
Focus on #digitalhealth and #populationhealth in rural #Ghana. Likely occasional #infectiousdisease commentary. And new to running 🏃♂️ so therefore still enthusiastic about it.
🧪 🌎
Photos from Ghana 📷
I'm a #globalhealth researcher, at @unisouthampton.bsky.social
Focus on #digitalhealth and #populationhealth in rural #Ghana. Likely occasional #infectiousdisease commentary. And new to running 🏃♂️ so therefore still enthusiastic about it.
🧪 🌎
Photos from Ghana 📷
May 9, 2025 at 8:25 PM
New round these parts 👋
I'm a #globalhealth researcher, at @unisouthampton.bsky.social
Focus on #digitalhealth and #populationhealth in rural #Ghana. Likely occasional #infectiousdisease commentary. And new to running 🏃♂️ so therefore still enthusiastic about it.
🧪 🌎
Photos from Ghana 📷
I'm a #globalhealth researcher, at @unisouthampton.bsky.social
Focus on #digitalhealth and #populationhealth in rural #Ghana. Likely occasional #infectiousdisease commentary. And new to running 🏃♂️ so therefore still enthusiastic about it.
🧪 🌎
Photos from Ghana 📷