My research takes a mixed-methods approach and is highly interdisciplinary in nature. It spans countries of all income levels, with considerable recent work undertaken in Malawi, Senegal and The Gambia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. I am particularly interested in research that contributes to food system transformation, and that draws on understandings and methods from policy analysis and engages with the complexity of whole system change including in relation to climate. I also have an active interest in the conceptual and methodological development of policy analysis, such as for example through contributions to the conceptualisation of actor power and other aspects of the policy process.

I am principal investigator for a work programme funded by the European Union and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development which focuses on food system transformation in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to bring fresh perspectives to understanding how to achieve healthy and sustainable diets. I am also co-investigator on several other studies, including a consortium programme of work funded by the UK National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) examining the political economy and impact of harmful alcohol use in Southern Africa, and a work programme funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) examining issues of population mobility and health care coordination in West Africa. I am a co-author of the new edition of 'Making Health Policy' for the Open University Press, published in 2023.