UK and Ireland occupational and environmental epidemiology: 19th annual meeting
Overview
We are delighted to invite you to the 19th Annual UK and Ireland Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Meeting. This year’s edition is hosted by the Health and Safety Executive on Monday 19 October 2026.
This meeting is planned as an in-person event at the HSE Science and Research Centre in Buxton. All presentations will be delivered in person.
The conference is open to all topics on occupational and environmental epidemiology. We encourage submissions from researchers at all career stages, including early career researchers, and welcome work ranging from study design and methods to preliminary and final findings.
Keynote speakers
We are pleased to confirm the following keynote speakers:
Dr Lesley Rushton (OBE)
An Emeritus Reader in Occupational Epidemiology at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London. With over 30 years of experience in occupational, environmental, and public health research, her work has focused on identifying and quantifying environmental and occupational causes of ill health.
Dr Rushton served as Chair of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) from April 2018 to 2025. She has also contributed extensively to national and international scientific and advisory committees, including the UK Committee on Carcinogenicity (COC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Science, Engineering and Environmental Assurance Committee. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine and an active contributor to the International Congress on Occupational Health, particularly in occupational cancer.
Dr Tony Fletcher
He is an Honorary Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where he has worked since 1992, alongside a role with the UK Health Security Agency from 2013 to 2023. His research focuses on environmental epidemiology, including drinking water contaminants, occupational cancer, air pollution, and environmental health risk assessment and policy.
Dr Fletcher has been at the forefront of research into the health effects of PFAS since 2005, working on major international studies in the USA, Sweden, and Italy. He previously served as an Adjunct Research Professor at Boston University and was elected President of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (2004–2005). His work has significantly influenced environmental health policy and chemical risk assessment.
Agenda
The full agenda for the conference will be published soon. Please check this page for updates.
Key dates
- Abstract submission and registration open - 4 May 2026 NOW CLOSED
- Abstract submission deadline - 9 July 2026 NOW CLOSED
- Abstract notification - 31 July 2026
- Registration Closes - 30 September 2026
Presenting authors of accepted abstracts will be required to register for the conference by a specified deadline in order to present. A certificate will be awarded for the best presentations at the meeting.
Venue and location details
The event will take place at the HSE Science and Research Centre, Buxton.
Please click the above link for location details.
How to get to the Health and Safety Executive, Buxton
The Health and Safety Executive’s site is located in Harpur Hill, Buxton, within the High Peak district of Derbyshire. It sits just south of Buxton town centre and forms part of a large specialist research and testing complex.
By Train - Buxton Railway Station has regular direct services from Manchester Piccadilly, making the town easily accessible from major UK cities via connections through Manchester.
From the station, the HSE site at Harpur Hill is a short taxi ride away. From London, take a direct train from London Euston to Macclesfield (≈2 hrs) and from Macclesfield station, take a taxi to HSE Harpur Hill, Buxton (SK17 9JN) (≈35–45 mins). We recommend booking train tickets well in advance to secure the lowest fares.
By Road - Buxton is reachable via major routes from Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Stoke‑on‑Trent, providing straightforward travel for drivers and group transport.
By Air - Manchester Airport is the nearest major airport and connects to Buxton by direct bus services or rail connections via Manchester city centre.
Accommodation
A range of accommodation is available in Buxton and the surrounding area, including hotels, guesthouses and self‑catering options. Buxton town centre is a short drive from the HSE site at Harpur Hill. Delegates are encouraged to book accommodation in advance.
Book your place(s)
Click the button below to secure your delegate pass(es) for our 19th Annual UK and Ireland Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Meeting .
Committee
Scientific Committee. Visit the Society website for more details (Link here: https://epidemiologysociety.wordpress.com/)
- Sara De Matteis, Imperial College, London/University of Milan, Milan (Chair)
- Valentina Quintero Santofimio, Imperial College, London (Secretary)
- Samuel Cai, University of Leicester, Leicester
- Frank de Vocht, University of Bristol, Bristol
- Helen Dolk, University of Ulster, Belfast
- Daniela Fecht, Imperial College, London
- Tony Fletcher, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/UK Health Security Agency
- Pat Goodman, Technology University, Dublin
- Anna Hansell, University of Leicester, Leicester
- Damien McElvenny, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh
- Ai Milojevic, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/UK Health Security Agency
- Gillian Nicholls, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton
- Mireille Toledano, Imperial College, London
- Martie van Tongeren, University of Manchester, Manchester
- Ariana Zeka, UK Health Security Agency, London
Local Organisation Committee
Based in the HSE Science and Research Centre
- Seun Anjorin
- Gillian Nicholls
- Lucy Darton
- Sally Goldstraw
