Paul Elliott is a clinical epidemiologist with a track-record of research that aims to improve public health through leadership of rigorous and innovative large-scale population studies, that provide the necessary evidence for effective public health interventions. In the landmark INTERSALT study across 52 centres in 32 countries, he defined the importance of high sodium and low potassium intakes in high blood pressure. His findings have influenced policies to lower sodium intakes and blood pressures around the world preventing deaths and disability from cardiovascular disease. He followed up these findings with critical observations on the importance of other dietary variables in blood pressure, including protein intake, which were then adopted as part of definitive dietary intervention trials. Paul Elliott has led the UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) as Director since 1991, developing the methodology and defining health effects associated with sources of environmental pollution in studies which have influenced national UK public health policies.