Professor David Hunter

Complex Systems

David graduated in political science from Edinburgh University.  His academic career spans over 40 years researching health systems with a focus on how policy is formed and implemented.  Between 1999 and July 2017, David was Director of the Centre for Public Policy and Health, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Durham University. The Centre was designated a WHO Collaborating Centre in Complex Health Systems Research, Knowledge and Action in 2014.  David moved to the Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University in August 2017.  Since August 2018 he is an Emeritus Professor at Newcastle University in the Population Health Sciences Institute. He is a Visiting Professor, University of Chester.  He is a special advisor to WHO Europe on health system transformation and, since July 2020, a member of WHO’s Global Network on Long-Term Care.  Former positions include: non-executive director, National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2008-16); Appointed Governor, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2009-2017); and special advisor to the UK Parliamentary Health Committee on two inquiries into public health.  He is an Honorary Member of the UK Faculty of Public Health, and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh).