Dr Harriet Hunt (She/her)

I study how evidence is used in real life to support better decisions; by the public, professionals, and policymakers. My focus is on understanding how we can make complex health information easier to use and more relevant to the people who need it, especially when it comes to medical tests, mental health, and the links between health and the environment.

My background is in epidemiology, psychology, and public health. I am experienced in evaluating health services and diagnostic tests, and I’m especially interested in how we decide what matters. Often, the things we measure in research aren't the same as what people actually care about. I try to bridge that gap - asking not just what the evidence shows, but who it's for, what's missing, and how we can improve the picture.

A big part of my work is about communication: making sure that good research doesn’t stay locked in academic papers, but helps people make better choices whether they are patients, clinicians, or policymakers. I work closely with the NHS, charities, faith and community groups, and people with lived experience, to develop evidence together that is grounded in real needs and experiences.

I’m based at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, where I work on major projects exploring how time in nature can support health and wellbeing. These include the pan-European RESONATE study and the national evaluation of the Green Social Prescribing Test & Learn Pilots in England.

Across all of my work, I aim to connect research with action - using clear thinking, creative approaches, and collaboration to help people and systems make better-informed choices for health.