All are invited to the MRC Epidemiology Seminar:

20-minute neighbourhoods as an urban design concept to improve health and reduce health inequalities: reflections from Scottish and international context

Dr Jon Olsen, Senior Research Fellow, MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow

This hybrid seminar will be held in Institute of Metabolic Science seminar rooms 1 & 2, Level 4, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, and online.

If attending online, please register at https://mrc-epid.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsd-qurDIvG9IQKfrxyJL8fwsv1qHGzCD5

About this talk

The seminar will explore the potential of 20-minute neighbourhoods in promoting health equity through urban planning. This concept emphasises the creation of local living, and amenity diverse and walkable communities where essential services are accessible within a 10-minute walk from home (and 10-minute return, equating to 20 minutes). By prioritising active travel and reducing dependence on motorised transport, 20-minute neighbourhoods and local living strategies have a range of co-benefits that encourage healthier lifestyles and more sustainable behaviours.

The seminar will draw on Scottish and international examples, including a baseline assessment of the policy in Scotland, a UK analysis of urban design, density and travel behaviours, and an international policy evaluation, illustrating how the concept is being implemented and its potential to improve health and reduce health inequalities.

About Dr Olsen

Dr Jon Olsen is a health geographer who leads the Mobility in the Urban Environment workstream within the Places and Health Programme at the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit. His research focuses on the application of novel geospatial approaches to exploring the impact of planning policy for health and urban mobility.

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