Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health

Part of the University of Lincoln, the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health (LIRCH) conducts world-class interdisciplinary research to address the most challenging health issues faced by rural, coastal and remote populations. We aim to 'shine a light' on the place-based health inequities being experienced by these communities and are working to find innovative solutions to these challenges.

LIRCH is home to world-leading researchers in rural health spanning specialisms such as oral health, cancer care, sexual health and disease, HIV epidemiology, testing and prevention, and mental health. Working with communities, we co-produce place-based evidence relating to health inequalities and access challenges faced by rural, remote and coastal populations locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Institute has been awarded £10.9 million from Research England as part of their Expanding Excellence in England Programme. This funding enables the expansion of our research capacity and capability and aims to secure the future of LIRCH as a transdisciplinary research powerhouse specialising in rural and coastal health.

Mark Gussy, Global Professor in Rural Health and Social Care, Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health
As, Professor Mark Gussy's academic career has been characterised by a pursuit for equity in health care, particularly in rural and coastal communities. With a strong foundation in oral health and a diverse academic background, Mark has embarked on a mission to unravel the complexities of health disparities experienced by vulnerable and marginalised communities, carving a path as a leading figure in the field of rural health and social care. His academic career is underscored by an extensive record of research contributions. Mark has spearheaded numerous ground-breaking studies, spanning complex intervention trials, longitudinal cohort analyses, and innovative qualitative methodologies.

"The impact of my work is twofold," explains Mark. "Firstly, the health and wellbeing improvements we see at individual and community level means we are contributing to closing the gap between the most and least well-off. Secondly, the public’s direct contribution to our research and decision-making process means that the outcomes of our research are useable in local contexts."

This is a key focus of the transformative work taking place the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health (LIRCH). With nearly £11 million in funding, LIRCH aims to tackle place-based health inequities. “Coastal and rural communities can be disproportionately impacted by economic problems, weather-related disasters, and climate change in addition to longstanding health challenges and poorer access to services," says Mark, who is the Institute's Director. "Linking the geospatial, environment, and weather influences with traditional population health sciences will develop a more sophisticated understanding of the broader determinants of health and wellbeing.”

As well as the millions of pounds of research funding, Mark's academic portfolio boasts over 140 peer-reviewed publications and more than 3,000 citations, highlighting his standing in the field. As a leading figure in the field of rural health, Mark continues to inspire transformative change, bridging the gap between research, practice, and policy to create a healthier, more equitable world for all. His dedication to improving health outcomes for the most vulnerable populations remains a driving force behind his extensive and impactful career.

Find out more about the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health including access to research at: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/shsc/research/lirch/