Dr. Madeleine Thomson serves as Head of Impacts and Adaptation at Wellcome, where she spearheads groundbreaking work on climate-sensitive health interventions across low- and middle-income countries. In this influential role, she leads strategic initiatives addressing the complex intersection of climate change and public health, focusing on vulnerable populations most affected by environmental health threats. Her leadership at Wellcome represents the culmination of over 25 years of dedicated research experience in climate-sensitive health interventions.
Thomson’s current work emphasizes the urgent need for adaptive strategies as climate change reshapes global health landscapes. She advocates for cutting emissions while simultaneously adapting cities through practical solutions like adding green spaces and waterways to cool urban environments. Her insights highlight that Europe is heating up faster than anticipated, with the continent warming twice as fast as the global average, creating unprecedented health challenges.
Under her guidance, Wellcome supports researchers, policymakers, and the public in tackling today’s most pressing health challenges associated with climate change. Her approach integrates scientific rigor with practical policy applications, ensuring research translates into real-world health improvements for communities worldwide. Her expertise has been featured across international platforms, including the World Economic Forum.