News & Media

The Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG) is pleased to announce that Professor John Holmes and Professor Colin Angus have joined the Expert Advisory Panel for the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS).

From April 2026, Professor Holmes and Professor Angus will join a select group of advisors providing independent consultancy to the IAS. The Expert Advisory Panel plays a key role in supporting the Institute to meet its strategic objectives and achieve its long-term vision for tackling alcohol harm in the UK.

Over the three-year term, Professor Holmes and Professor Angus will provide advice on a wide range of alcohol policy topics including price regulation, marketing, licensing, and the social and economic impacts of alcohol consumption.

Their role will also involve a variety of strategic tasks, such as reviewing IAS reports and briefings, drafting responses to public consultations, giving evidence to parliamentary committees and reviewing applications for the IAS Small Grants Scheme.

What our experts bring to the panel

Both professors bring a wealth of experience in public health and health economics to the board:

Professor John Holmes, Director of SARG and co-Director of the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Addictions, is a leading expert on alcohol policy. His research has been instrumental in the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland and the development of low-risk drinking guidelines in the UK and Australia. His recent work focuses on the decline in youth drinking and the public health impact of alcohol-free drinks.

Professor Colin Angus is a senior health economic modeller whose work explores the effects of alcohol policies across different population groups. A specialist in complex behavioural modelling, his research on taxation, licensing, and minimum unit pricing has informed debates internationally. He maintains a strong focus on health inequalities, ensuring policy decisions consider the disproportionate impact of alcohol harm on deprived communities.

Reflecting on the appointment, Professor John Holmes said:

"Having worked closely with the IAS for many years, providing informal advice and supporting their research, I am delighted to take up a formal role on the panel. The IAS plays a vital role in ensuring that public debate on alcohol is informed by the best available evidence, and I look forward to supporting their mission over the next three years."

A history of collaboration

SARG has worked closely with the Institute for many years – our researchers have been involved in a wide range of IAS outputs, while senior colleagues from the IAS have sat on Steering Groups for SARG research projects. Some key activities include:

• Professor Holmes contributed to the 2025 report A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK, which outlines priority recommendations for policy reform.
• Professor Angus provided critical evidence for the report Dispelling Six Industry Myths About Alcohol Taxation, challenging misconceptions about the economic impact of duty increases.
• He has also written a number of blog posts including an analysis of alcohol mortality data and an exploration of the impact of minimum unit pricing on people with low incomes in Scotland.
• Both professors are regular guests on the IAS podcast, discussing topics such as youth drinking and the public health implications of alcohol-free drinks.

We look forward to continuing this productive relationship and contributing our research expertise to the Institute's work over the coming years.