Celebrating occupational health at Manchester
On Wednesday 1 October 2025, the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH), in collaboration with the Thomas Ashton Institute and THOR, welcomed guests to the Hyatt Manchester for a landmark event celebrating 80 years of excellence in Occupational Health research and training at the University of Manchester.
The afternoon began with a series of lightning talks showcasing the evolution, achievements, and future directions of COEH鈥檚 postgraduate programmes and research. Speakers included Professor Martie van Tongeren, Dr Andrew Povey, and Dr Anne Clayson, each reflecting on the transformative impact of COEH鈥檚 work on public health, policy, and professional development.
A panel session, chaired by Professor van Tongeren, brought together leading voices in occupational health鈥攊ncluding Professor Gillian Leng CBE, Mrs Tash Heydon, Professor David Fishwick, and Professor Malcolm Sim AM鈥攖o explore emerging challenges and opportunities in the field. Topics ranged from exposure assessment and new technologies to regulatory innovation and global health risks.
The day culminated in the Lane Lecture, delivered by Professor Malcolm Sim AM and introduced by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Manchester. Titled 鈥淭he Artificial Stone Silicosis Epidemic: Lessons Learned for More Effective Prevention鈥�, the lecture examined the silicosis crisis among stonemasons, drawing on Australian policy responses and offering insights into prevention strategies worldwide.
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