Fuse welcomes the University of Cumbria and a new Deputy Director

Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, is expanding its reach and impact with two major developments: welcoming the University of Cumbria as its sixth university partner and appointing Professor Amelia Lake as Deputy Director.

These changes mark a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration, tackling health inequalities, and enhancing Fuse’s role as a leader in public health research.

Expanding collaboration with the University of Cumbria

Welcoming the University of Cumbria into Fuse brings fresh expertise in health inequalities, social determinants of health, knowledge exchange, and rural and coastal health - expanding the Centre’s ability to address the unique challenges faced by communities in these areas.

Professor Joy Duxbury, Director of Research for the Institute of Health at the University of Cumbria, said:

"The University of Cumbria is delighted to join five other partners in Fuse to work together in a unique collaboration to deliver world-class research, improve health and wellbeing, and tackle inequalities. I look forward to building upon the incredible work already undertaken by current Fuse members and seeing how the partnership will develop in the future."

Professor Duxbury assumes the role of Fuse Associate Director at the University of Cumbria, strengthening Fuse’s multi-institutional collaboration and further embedding research excellence across the North East and North Cumbria.

Fuse Director Sheena Ramsay, Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology at Newcastle University, said:

"This partnership is an exciting milestone for Fuse. The University of Cumbria’s expertise in rural and coastal health will strengthen our ability to address health inequalities in communities that often face unique challenges in accessing healthcare. By expanding our collaboration across the six universities in North East & North Cumbria, we are better positioned than ever to deliver impactful, world-class research that informs policy and practice at both regional and national levels."

A new Deputy Director for Fuse

Alongside this expansion, Fuse is also welcoming Professor Amelia Lake as its new Deputy Director. A longstanding member of Fuse, Amelia is Professor of Public Health Nutrition at Teesside University and previously held a Fuse-funded lecturer role at Durham University. She has worked across four of the six Fuse partner institutions: Northumbria, Durham, Newcastle, and Teesside universities.

Amelia takes over from Professor Carolyn Summerbell, who has served as Deputy Director since 2013. Carolyn has been an integral part of Fuse since its inception, shaping its research agenda, building partnerships, and championing public involvement in public health research. She has played a pivotal role in shaping Fuse’s success, ensuring its continued membership in the prestigious NIHR School for Public Health Research and laying the groundwork for Fuse’s expansion to six universities. Professor Summerbell will continue to contribute to Fuse as Associate Director at Durham University.

Reflecting on her time as Fuse Deputy Director, Professor Summerbell, said:

"It has been an absolute privilege to serve as Deputy Director of Fuse for more than a decade, working alongside fantastic colleagues to drive forward world-class public health research. Seeing the impact of our work - whether in shaping policy, supporting communities, or training the next generation of researchers - has been incredibly rewarding.

"I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Professor Amelia Lake, who has been a key part of Fuse throughout her career. Amelia brings immense passion, experience, and leadership to the role, and I have no doubt she will continue to strengthen Fuse’s mission of translating research into real-world impact. I look forward to continuing my involvement with Fuse as an Associate Director and supporting its exciting future."

Looking ahead with Professor Amelia Lake

Amelia has been actively involved in Fuse since 2008, progressing from an NIHR postdoctoral researcher to Associate Director and now Deputy Director. She is widely recognised for her research on public health nutrition, food environments, and health inequalities, working closely with policymakers, practitioners, and communities to drive change.

Acknowledging Fuse’s evolution, Professor Lake, said:

"Fuse has been a constant across the four institutions I have worked, and senior academics like Professor Summerbell have been my mentors. Carolyn’s leadership, wealth of expertise, and dedication have been truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to build on the foundations she has helped to shape.

"In 2008, Fuse was ground-breaking in working across five institutions. Now, as a six-university collaboration, we need that united approach more than ever. We must continue to extend this collaboration across all sectors involved in public health to make a real difference in the North East, North Cumbria, and beyond."

Professor Sheena Ramsay, Fuse Director, added:

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Professor Carolyn Summerbell for her outstanding leadership as Deputy Director. Carolyn has been instrumental in shaping Fuse’s vision and ensuring our work translates into meaningful change. We are incredibly fortunate that she will continue to contribute as an Associate Director.

"I am delighted to welcome Professor Amelia Lake as our new Deputy Director. Amelia’s expertise and dedication to public health research will be invaluable in leading Fuse into the next phase of its development. I look forward to working with her to build on Fuse’s strong foundations and further enhance our collaborations, research excellence, and policy impact."

Chair of the Fuse Centre Strategy Board, Professor Peter Kelly, OHID (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities) Regional Director & NHS Director of Public Health - North East and Yorkshire, said:

"The addition of the University of Cumbria and the appointment of Professor Amelia Lake as Deputy Director mark an exciting new era for Fuse. As a six-university collaboration, Fuse is now better equipped than ever to tackle pressing public health challenges, strengthen partnerships, and drive meaningful change.

"With Professor Sheena Ramsay leading as Director, Professor Carolyn Summerbell continuing her invaluable contributions, and Professor Lake taking on a leadership role, Fuse is set to build on its strong foundations and further enhance its impact on public health research and practice."

About the University of Cumbria

Founded in 2007, the University of Cumbria is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and education to improve health and wellbeing.

Its Institute of Health Research and Knowledge Exchange (IOH-RKE) leads cutting-edge research on rural and coastal health, health inequalities, and social determinants of health, contributing to positive health and social outcomes through multi-sector collaboration.

This partnership with Fuse will enhance knowledge exchange and strengthen public health research that translates into real-world impact for communities across the North East, North Cumbria, and beyond.

Last modified: Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:14:19 BST