Jill Belch is a Professor of Vascular Medicine at the University of Dundee, UK, where until January 2016 she was the Research Dean then Co-Dean of the Medical School. She was also NHS Tayside R&D Director for 10 years.
She is a founder Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Science. Her research interests centre on cardiovascular disease, and the troubling effects of air pollution on this system led to her research in air pollution effects on health. She is passionate about equality and is concerned air pollution and other climate change issues will seriously disadvantage those already without resource.
She co-chairs the working group on Air Pollution at the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh (RCPE). The work with the RCPE includes a study of air quality monitors round Scottish city schools, letters to the net zero committee, and advocating against wood stoves in new builds.
She is a member of the Scottish Government Air Quality Advisory Committee, and participates in CAF2 Public Engagement sub committee. Professor Belch has authored over 500 publications in peer-reviewed journals including those on air pollution. She was awarded an OBE in 2016 for Services to Medicine, Saltire Outstanding Women of the year in 2019, & Scotswoman of the Year in 2020 for service during the covid pandemic.
