PHG Foundation

Kapila trained in medicine and public health in Oxford, Cambridge and London before going on to enjoy a diverse and challenging career in public health and international development with the UK Government, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations. He is currently Special Representative of the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva and a policy adviser to the World Bank.

He was attracted to the Foundation by its reputation for innovation in translating scientific research to benefit the health of populations. "I am passionate about liberating people from the effects of illness and poverty" he says, "and harnessing the latest knowledge is vital to making this happen in both developed and developing countries. The Foundation is demonstrating that a strong public health approach is crucial in the 21st century to bridge the gap between the development of new technologies and their application in bringing health for all".

Ron Zimmern, whose Cambridge-based team has pioneered the field of public health genomics in the UK over the last ten years, is excited about the Foundation's future: "Looking ahead, our priorities are the translation agenda; our international programme; and the impact of the exponential growth in genomic and molecular science, new technologies and personalised medicine on the practice of public health. Mukesh brings with him a wealth of international experience and a fresh approach to the Foundation's purpose; I am delighted he ahs agreed to join us and we look forward to working with him during the next phase of the Foundation's development".

Dr Kapila is married with three daughters and lives in Geneva and Cambridgeshire.