About

Founded in 2008 as the Sheffield Alcohol Research Group, we have since expanded our focus to include tobacco, gambling, and other substance use disorders, and in 2023 we became the Sheffield Addictions Research group to reflect this growing portfolio of work.

Our team includes researchers from across many disciplines including public health, epidemiology, health economic modelling, computer systems engineering, sociology and psychology. We collaborate with numerous institutions in the UK and internationally including government agencies, healthcare providers and other academic institutions.

SARG's research has had a significant impact on public health policy and practice both nationally and internationally. Our work has directly influenced:

• Alcohol policy: Our research has been instrumental in shaping policies such as minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, and the introduction of a fully alcohol content-based duty system in the UK.
• Tobacco control: We have contributed to the development of evidence-based tobacco control policies, including smoke-free environments and innovative approaches to smoking cessation.
• Gambling harm reduction: Our research is focused on understanding the impact of gambling on individuals and society, and informing policies to mitigate harm.

Find out more about our research on alcohol, tobacco and gambling.

The Sheffield Addictions Research Group sits within the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health which undertakes world-leading research into many conditions including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and public health whilst also training the next generation of doctors.