Dr Helen Macintyre

Dr Helen Macintyre

Principal Climate Change Scientist

UK Health Security Agency

I am an interdisciplinary scientific researcher with over 18 years’ experience at academic and governmental organisations. While I work now primarily in climate change and human health, my experience covers a broad range of environment and climate-related science, including atmospheric chemistry, climate science, air quality, urban climate and the built environment, temperature effects on health, health impact assessment, public health, Earth sciences, global and regional atmospheric modelling, and public engagement.

I led several chapters of the 4th Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK report, on temperature effects, air pollution, and health co-benefits of climate action. My research explores various aspects of climate change and health, such as heat and cold effects on health including the urban heat island (UHI), air quality, understanding and quantifying the impacts of climate change on health, both now and in the future, and I have a strong interest in understanding the health implications of climate actions, in particular nature-based solutions, and how providing quantified evidence on climate and health can support actions to protect health in a changing climate. At UKHSA I lead on applying climate projections to assess future health risks from climate change, am part of the UKCP Data and Knowledge Sharing (DaKS) group, and collaborate with the UK Met Office on a range of research projects.