Prof Eunice Simmons
Current role and institution: Vice-Chancellor, University of Chester
Country: United Kingdom
Email: vc@chester.ac.uk
Biography
Professor Eunice Simmons is Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Chester in the northwest of the UK. She has broad sector experience having previously worked at five diverse institutions: the University of London’s Wye and Imperial Colleges, UCLan Lancashire as head of the National School of Forestry, the University of Cumbria and Nottingham Trent University where she was Deputy Vice Chancellor.
An environmentalist by academic background, Prof Simmons has degrees in biology, soil conservation and forest ecology and has contributed to education and sustainability initiatives in Europe, Japan, Malaysia, China and the Caribbean. She has focused on the twin priorities of education and the environment throughout her career, particularly in large-scale knowledge transfer and implementation projects. As a founding member of Defra’s Expert Committee on Forest Science and first Chair of the national charity TASO: Transforming Access & Student Outcomes, she has supported research implementation.
Eunice was recognised for sector leadership in education for sustainable development by the Environmental Association of Universities & Colleges and is proud to be the current Chair of Mersey Forest Partnership. This outstanding community forest leads on a UK government ‘Trees for Climate’ project and works with regional partners to improve the lives of 2.5 million people.
In her current role at Chester, she initiated the strategy of the Citizen Student, enabling students to develop well beyond their course expertise and she is deeply involved in regional and national skills and employability projects to support the ‘good growth agenda. Chester has faced into the challenges and opportunities of AI by revalidating many of its courses, developing new authentic assessments and transforming

Prof. Dr. Sujan Babu Marahatta

Vice-Chancellor, Purbanchal University, Nepal

Prof. Dr. Sujan Babu Marahatta

Prof. Dr. Sujan Babu Marahatta is the Vice-Chancellor of Purbanchal University, Nepal, where he provides strategic leadership in advancing academic excellence, research, innovation and societal impact. With a strong background in public health and medical education, he has been actively engaged in strengthening higher education, health research and capacity development in Nepal. His leadership emphasises multidisciplinary collaboration, technology-enabled learning and the translation of knowledge into solutions for society. He is committed to developing centres of excellence, strengthening research and innovation, and preparing future generations of professionals to contribute to Nepal’s development and address emerging global challenges.

Prof Paul Bissell
Current role and institution: Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Professor of Public Health, University of Chester Country: United Kingdom
Email: p.bissell@chester.ac.uk
Biography
Professor Paul Bissell is Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Professor of Public Health at the University of Chester. His research spans public health, health inequalities, medical sociology, behavioural health and health services research. He has led and contributed to a wide range of externally funded research projects and has published extensively on public health policy, social determinants of health and healthcare systems. Professor Bissell has supervised numerous doctoral researchers and has held senior leadership positions at the Universities of Chester, Huddersfield and Sheffield. His work is recognised internationally for its contribution to applied public health research and evidence-informed policy development.

Prof Padam Simkhada
Chair of the Scientific Committee for the Sixth Global Health Conference 2026.
Current role and institution: Professor of Global Health and Dean of Global Impact and Research, University of Chester.
Country: United Kingdom / Nepal
Email: p.simkhada@chester.ac.uk
Biography
Professor Padam Simkhada is an internationally recognised global health academic, researcher and research leader with extensive experience in public health, health systems strengthening, migration and migrant health, maternal and child health, global health policy and international development. As Dean of Global Impact and Research at the University of Chester, he leads the University's research, innovation and international impact agenda. He has worked extensively across Asia, Africa and Europe, developing international partnerships and leading collaborative research programmes that have informed policy and practice. His work focuses on addressing health inequalities, strengthening healthcare systems, NCDs prevention, building research capacity and promoting evidence-informed policymaking to improve population health outcomes globally

Dr Kirstie Simpson
Current role and institution: Acting Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise, University of Chester.
Country: United Kingdom
k.simpson@chester.ac.uk
Biography
Dr Kirstie Simpson is Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise at the University of Chester, providing strategic leadership across the Chester Business School, School of Natural Sciences, and School of Computer and Engineering Sciences. As a member of the University's Senior Leadership Team, she plays a key role in advancing academic excellence, student success, research, innovation, internationalisation and external engagement. She has extensive experience in higher education leadership, curriculum development, business and enterprise education, and fostering partnerships with industry and professional bodies. Her work focuses on preparing graduates for a rapidly changing global environment while promoting innovation, sustainability and enterprise-led solutions to contemporary challenges.

Prof. Julie Balen
Current role and institution: Professor of Health Systems and Global Change, Canterbury Christ Church University Country: United Kingdom
Biography
Professor Julie Balen is an internationally recognised global health researcher specialising in health systems strengthening, health policy, implementation science and health equity. With more than two decades of experience across Asia, Africa and Europe, her work focuses on improving health outcomes through evidence-based policy and sustainable health-system development. She has led and collaborated on major projects funded by organisations including the NIHR and WHO, and has established long-standing partnerships in Nepal, Bangladesh, Ghana, Nigeria and The Gambia. Her research combines interdisciplinary and participatory approaches to address complex public health challenges and strengthen health services in low-resource settings.

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Current role and institution: Professor of Reproductive Health, Bournemouth University Country: United Kingdom
Biography
Professor Edwin van Teijlingen is a leading public health and medical sociology scholar with international expertise in reproductive health, maternal health, health systems research and mixed-methods research. He has published extensively on public health, social sciences and healthcare organisation, with a particularly strong research engagement in Nepal and South Asia. His work has contributed significantly to strengthening research capacity, evidence-informed practice, maternal and reproductive health services, and public health education. Professor van Teijlingen has collaborated with universities, NGOs and policymakers across multiple countries and is widely recognised for his contribution to global health research and training.

Prof. Sara Parker
Current role and institution: Professor of Collaborative Action Research, Liverpool John Moores University Country: United Kingdom
Biography
Professor Sara Parker is an internationally recognised researcher whose work focuses on collaborative action research, gender, social justice, education and community empowerment. She has worked in Nepal for more than three decades and has led influential international projects addressing menstrual health, social inclusion and community participation. Her research approach combines academic excellence with practical engagement, ensuring that evidence contributes directly to policy and social change. Professor Parker is widely known for her work on menstrual stigma and women’s empowerment in Nepal and has built strong partnerships with local communities, researchers, activists and policymakers throughout South Asia

Prof Clare-Ellen McNaught
Current role and institution: President, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd); Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust Country: United Kingdom
Biography
Professor Clare-Ellen McNaught is President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious surgical colleges. A consultant colorectal and general surgeon, she has combined clinical excellence with a strong commitment to surgical education, professional standards and workforce development. Before becoming President, she served in a variety of leadership roles within RCSEd, including Vice President, examiner and Honorary Secretary. Her work has focused on improving patient care, supporting professional development and advancing surgical training across the United Kingdom and internationally. She is a respected advocate for excellence in healthcare education and leadership.

Prof. Dr. Paras K. Pokharel

Prof Dr Paras Kumar Pokharel

Prof. Dr. Paras K. Pokharel is a distinguished public health academic, community physician and researcher with a long association with the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan, Nepal, particularly its School of Public Health and Community Medicine. He has extensive experience in public health, epidemiology, community-based medical education and health systems, with particular interests in health literacy, international health and underserved populations. His work has contributed to strengthening community-oriented medical education and linking health professional training with the health needs of rural communities in Nepal. He has also contributed to work on antimicrobial resistance and health policy at national and international levels.