Leeds Metropolitan professor scoops international award

Alan White, the world's first Professor of Men's Health, was last night honoured with the Robert Tiffany International Award at the Nursing Standard Nurse Awards.

The prestigious annual ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Angela Rippon and held in London's Park Lane, Hilton hotel.

Professor White said: "I am absolutely delighted to win this award. It was fantastic to receive the recognition of being shortlisted, but to win is truly an honour."

Last year Professor White, who set up Leeds Metropolitan University's Centre for Men's Health Research, led a 36-strong international team of academics to produce The State of Men's Health in Europe Report for the European Commission.

The research undertaken suggested that a high level of premature illness and death amongst men is preventable and warned that the state of men's health in Europe is a serious public health concern.

It suggests there will be 32 million more older men by 2060 than now and 24 million fewer men aged 15-64, presenting a workforce problem. The research findings are influencing governments to explore their male populations' health.

Professor White added: "Our research highlighted some serious issues in the state of men's health throughout Europe and myself and the team are hopeful that our findings will prompt governments of all the countries involved to further investigate the areas of concern."

Leeds Metropolitan University launched the Institute for Health and Wellbeing last November, which spearheads research into men's health, health promotion and healthy communities, pain, and nutrition and childhood obesity.