NHRP Academy: Meet our Community – Dr Murali Subramanian
Monday June 2, 2025
Dr Murali Subramanian
In this “Meet Our Community” feature, we introduce Dr Murali Subramanian – a clinician-turned-public-health researcher.
Dr Subramanian is a Research Associate with Newcastle University’s NIHR-PHIRST Fusion team and an elected member of the OpenSeat Initiative within the Research Oversight Committee of Newcastle Health Research Partnership.
He combines clinical rigour with a public-health researcher’s vision to tackle health inequalities through evidence-based, system-wide interventions. His academic credentials include an MBBS from India, an MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the University of Nottingham and a PhD in Public Health from Teesside University, where his research focused on promoting physical activity among pregnant and postpartum women in underserved communities.
Dr Subramanian’s current portfolio centres on evaluating and refining real-world public-health programmes in partnership with local authorities, NHS trusts and community organisations. Among his recent projects are:
- Social Navigator Programme (South Tyneside): He evaluated an outreach model that connects socially isolated and financially excluded individuals to tailored health and wellbeing services.
- Whole Systems Approach to Childhood Obesity (Dundee City Council): He convened multi-sector stakeholders—senior council executives, NHS leaders and peer researchers—to evaluate a recently developed sustainable, scalable strategy addressing nutrition, physical activity and urban planning.
Regarding his shift from clinical practice to public health, Dr Subramanian reflects, “Throughout my career, I’ve worked at the intersection of public health, life sciences and collaborative research. I decided to shift from clinical practice to public health because I believe in plugging the hole in the boat, rather than trying to bail it out with a bucket.”
NHRP Academy
Dr Subramanian has gained significant benefits from his engagement with NHRP Academy, who have been pivotal in widening Dr Subramanian’s network, enabling him to meet and engage productively with leaders in public health.
He is currently a member of the NHRP Research Oversight Committee through the OpenSeat Initiative, which has enabled him to gain a unique perspective on research activities in the Northeast.
He said, “By working directly with university teams, NHS organisations, industry representatives and local authority partners, I have developed a strategic understanding of cross-sector research dynamics and expanded my professional network.”
Dr Subramanian’s advice
Dr Subramanian’s said “For emerging researchers, networking is key—remain open and leverage every opportunity to seek feedback from diverse perspectives.”
Through his dual identity as clinician and public-health researcher, Dr Subramanian embodies NHRP’s commitment to collaborative, impact-driven research that advances health equity and transforms communities.
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