Simon Capewell qualified from Newcastle University and subsequently trained in clinical medicine (general, respiratory and cardiovascular) in Oxford, Cardiff and then Edinburgh where he discovered Public Health.  He subsequently moved to Glasgow University before being appointed as the first Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Liverpool in 1999, and becoming Professor Emeritus in 2022.

His research programme has focused on the epidemiology and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mainly cardiovascular and heart disease, diabetes and common cancers; hence studies on the key NCD drivers: inequalities, tobacco, alcohol, inactivity and, crucially, poor diet (obesity, sugar, salt, saturated fats, transfats, inadequate fruit & veg, etc).  He still enjoys mentoring colleagues, supporting multidisciplinary research teams, and editing scientific papers.