This long-term collaboration will focus on improving the lives of people in Barking and Dagenham by combining academic research, education, and community knowledge. Both organisations share a strong commitment to finding practical solutions that make a real difference to health and quality of life.
To mark the start of the partnership, Queen Mary and the Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding, the first 10-year societal partnership of its kind between a Russell Group university and a local authority. The signing event was attended by Queen Mary's Vice Principal for Health, Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Acting Vice Principal for Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Dan Todman, and Professor Arunthathi Mahendran, Director of the SHAPE Institute for Health (SHAPE Health). They were joined by Cllr Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health Integration and Housing, and Fiona Taylor, the Council's Chief Executive.
Through SHAPE Health, Queen Mary will bring together its leading researchers and educators with the experience, creativity, and insight of local residents and council teams. The approach is designed to develop fresh, evidence-based ideas that promote healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.
Professor Arunthathi Mahendran, Director of the SHAPE Institute for Health, said:
"At SHAPE Health we are developing a transdisciplinary approach.
"This is where colleagues from the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Healthcare disciplines work closely with our community partners to reimagine health through the everyday lives and experiences of our East London residents and neighbourhoods. We believe that health is about possibility: the chance to live a life that feels rich, connected and purposeful."
Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said:
"Pioneering new research like this starts here in Barking and Dagenham.
"This is a truly groundbreaking partnership- one that brings together world-class academic expertise with the lived experience of our communities.
"By working with Queen Mary University of London, we're unlocking the kind of insight we need to tackle the deep health inequalities in our borough. Their trans-disciplinary approach - linking health with housing, employment, education, and social care - will help us understand the full picture of what it means to 'be well'. Together, we're not just improving services - we're reimagining how society supports health from the ground up".
