Mr Neil Macdonald

My research involves investigating risk factors and determinants for established and emerging sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly focused on those effecting gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM).

With a background in National and International AIDS and HIV surveillance, whilst at the HPA I developed and conducted the first risk factor study for HIV seroconversion amongst MSM in the UK in the post HAART era (the MRC funded INSIGHT study – a multi centre case control and qualitative project).  In 2005 I moved to Imperial to continue my research career as Coordinator of the MRC funded SHIFT project, a feasibility study of a randomised controlled  trial of a web based intervention to reduce risk amongst STI clinic attenders. I am presently coordinating a  multi-site UK study of Lymphogranuloma venereum amongst MSM (UKCRN ID 6167) as part of the MRC funded LGV-net project, a collaboration between Imperial College, the HPA’s Sexually Transmitted Bacteria Reference Laboratory, participating NHS sexual health clinics and the Terrence Higgins Trust.

My research experience covers routine surveillance, outbreak investigations, observational studies and interventions. Over the past decade I have been developing methodologies for surveying patients using Computer Assisted Self Interviewing techniques with a keen interest in the potential of the Internet and other new media to assist research. I am also a keen believer in Qualitative Research methods and the strengths that mixed methods can bring to studies.

My other areas of interest include translational research – particularly ensuring the findings of my studies benefit those identified as being at risk through effective targeted health promotion.

I am also designing the web tool for the MRC funded MSTIC study, which is based at UCL's Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, and funded by the Medical Research Council.  The full title of the study is Public health outcomes, costs and cost-effectiveness of GUM and primary care based STI services: How to maximise STI control for a population.