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Research

Evidence that turns into action

Our research brings together public health, environmental science and community knowledge — not only to produce data, but to translate evidence into programmes, policies and practices that improve human and environmental wellbeing.

A HERI-Kenya researcher processes field samples in a temporary lab in Diani
Priority areas

What we study

  • Environmental & public health

    How sanitation, waste, water quality and ecosystems influence health outcomes.

  • Vector-borne & climate-sensitive disease

    The ecological, climatic and social drivers of disease transmission and prevention.

  • Organic waste & circular economy

    Solutions that cut pollution, improve health and support sustainable livelihoods.

  • Climate resilience & adaptation

    Community-level responses to climate-related health and environmental risks.

  • Community knowledge & practice

    Local behaviours and knowledge that make interventions effective and culturally appropriate.

  • Policy & evidence translation

    Turning findings into tools, models and insights that support decision-making.

Research leads

Led by internationally recognised scientists

Portrait of Prof. Desiree LaBeaud

Prof. Desiree LaBeaud

Professor of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases), Stanford University School of Medicine, USA

An infectious disease physician and epidemiologist working on arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Rift Valley fever — and how climate, ecology and socio-economic factors shape disease patterns.

She leads research teams in Kenya and internationally, combining field studies, laboratory science and community engagement, and studies the health impacts of climate change and plastic pollution.

Research portfolio
Portrait of Prof. Francis Mutuku

Prof. Francis Mutuku

Professor, Environment & Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya

A leading researcher in vector-borne diseases and environmental health in coastal Kenya, focused on mosquito ecology, disease transmission and the links between environment and health.

With over 120 peer-reviewed publications, his research has informed strategies against malaria, dengue, Rift Valley fever and other vector-borne diseases.

Research portfolio
Purpose

Why we do research

  • Inform community-centred interventions that can be translated into programmes and policy
  • Strengthen public health, environmental management and climate-responsive strategies
  • Advance knowledge at the intersection of health, environment and climate
  • Train and mentor researchers through internships, fellowships and field placements (PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s)
  • Build long-term local research capacity and ethical, participatory practice
  • Share findings openly through publications, policy briefs and the HERI Hub
Ethical safeguards

How we do it responsibly

  • Ethical approval & informed consent

    Participants understand the purpose, methods, risks and benefits; taking part is always voluntary.

  • Privacy & data protection

    Responsible collection, secure storage and controlled access throughout the research lifecycle.

  • Communities as partners

    Findings are shared, discussed and used locally — communities are partners, not just participants.

  • Recognised standards

    Aligned with national and international guidelines for human-subjects, public health and environmental research.

Collaborate or train with us

Universities, researchers and students: partner on applied studies or join a field placement, internship or fellowship.

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