Rated as the world's fifth best university in the THES World University Rankings 2007, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The Division of Epidemiology, Public Health and Primary care is a world-class centre for research and teaching in epidemiology, infectious disease, public health, primary health care and general practice, biostatistics and health services research. The Division currently has 61 PhD students plus over 200 staff members.

With the recent emphasis on a primary care-led NHS and disease prevention, health service delivery and clinical teaching in the community, a strong research base in the key scientific disciplines that underpin such community and population-based strategies is essential. The Division of Epidemiology, Public Health and Primary Care has a strong research and development profile while also serving the increasing needs of education and service delivery for Imperial College Faculty of Medicine in the 21st century.