SOM has commissioned researchers at universities and research institutes to improve understanding of key issues. Reports include “The Value of Occupational Health Research: History, Evolution and Way Forward”, supported by the HSE, here and a synthesis of the value of occupational health in the UK and globally, supported by ISOS here. SOM’s publications catalogue is here.
Through SOM's journal, Occupational Medicine, SOM supports potential authors and trains journal article reviewers.
SOM secured funding from Lloyd's Register Foundation to run a systematic literature review on the mental health, safety and wellbeing of first responders in 2026. Findings will be used to provide actionable insights for policymakers, organisations and Lloyd's Register Foundation.
Research Priority Setting Meeting - work and health - report here
This recent workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders to identify and prioritise key areas for future research in occupational medicine and occupational health. The focus was on addressing recognised gaps in evidence that are critical to improving worker health and wellbeing. The aim of the workshop was, by prioritising the research uncertainties across the occupational health community, to:
- support researchers in targeting future funding applications to areas of greatest need, and
- inform research funders as to the highest priorities of those working in and receiving occupational health care.
The workshop was organised by SOM, and was jointly produced with the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. The Colt Foundation sponsored the venue. The workshop was facilitated by an independent adviser from the James Lind Alliance.
Funding
The Colt Foundation offers funding for occupational health research, such as for PhDs, post doc and clinical scientists. Find out more here. NIHR have significant funding on work and health - see here.
Academic Forum for Work and Health
SOM hosts this nonaligned and multidisciplinary forum for academics, established in 2000. Its chair is Professor Ewan Macdonald. The Forum is calling for a Centre for Work and Health to promote, protect and improve the health of the UK’s working people or those wanting to get into work - a presentation on this centre is here. A London Centre for Work and Health has now been established - see here.
The Forum offers "Buddy Support" to researchers who are moving into research in this area or wish to progress their career. Support includes information and signposting and can occur remotely or face to face (this is for each party to decide together). No cost support is provided and buddies are offering their time freely. The frequency of support is also for each party to decide together, and the process is of a voluntary nature and can be stopped at any time by either party. Contact details for Buddies are:
- Dr Gwenllian Wynne-Jones g.wynne-jones@keele.ac.uk University of Keele. Area of research focus: primary care, epidemiology, clinical trials, Musculoskeletal pain, nursing
- Professor Ewan Macdonald ewan.macdonald@glasgow.ac.uk University of Glasgow. Area of research focus: Occupational Medicine Research generalist
- Dr Sharon Stevelink sharon.stevelink@kcl.ac.uk (Lecturer in Epidemiology) Area of research focus: epidemiology, high risk occupations, mental health, wellbeing, quantitative methods, military
- Dr Joanna Yarker j.yarker@bbk.ac.uk Area of research focus: organisational psychology, stress and mental health, organisational interventions, line managers, process/real-world evaluation
If you would like to attend the Forum or would like further details, please contact the SOM.