The third day of the Tobacco Industry Monitoring Research and Accountability (TIMRA) 2026 Workshop, hosted by the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath, focused on one central question: How can we better use evidence, technology, and communication to strengthen tobacco control?
Throughout the day, participants explored practical tools and emerging technologies that are transforming how tobacco industry monitoring is conducted and how evidence can be translated into meaningful policy change.
Tobacco Tactics: Making Research Accessible
The day began with an in-depth introduction to Tobacco Tactics, a knowledge exchange platform established by the Tobacco Control Research Group in 2012.
The platform provides accessible, evidence-based information on tobacco industry activities, companies, individuals, and policy influence. Participants learned how to navigate its integrated search function, browse thematic categories, and explore country profiles alongside the Tobacco Supply Chain Database.
The session demonstrated how accessible, high-quality evidence can empower researchers, advocates, policymakers, and journalists to better understand and respond to tobacco industry interference.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Tobacco Control
One of the most engaging sessions explored the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tobacco control research and advocacy.
Participants discussed how AI can support:
- Analysis of social media conversations around tobacco products.
- Identification of tobacco industry narratives and messaging.
- Examination of large document collections.
- Improved research workflows and evidence synthesis.
Several publicly available AI tools were demonstrated, including Perplexity, Comet, Gemini, and NotebookLM.
A particularly important takeaway was that while generative AI can greatly improve efficiency and productivity, every output must be carefully verified before being used in research, advocacy, or policy engagement.
Understanding the Tobacco Supply Chain
Participants were introduced to the Tobacco Supply Chain Database and examined each stage of the tobacco supply chain:
- Tobacco cultivation.
- Primary processing.
- Product manufacturing.
- Logistics and distribution.
- Retail and marketing.
- Product use and disposal.
The discussions highlighted how the tobacco industry strategically locates different components of its supply chain in jurisdictions with weaker regulation, while externalising environmental and public health costs. This broader systems perspective reinforced that tobacco control encompasses agriculture, trade, environmental sustainability, governance, and public health.
Using Market Intelligence for Tobacco Control
Another practical session introduced participants to Euromonitor, providing hands-on experience with global and country-level market data relating to tobacco companies, products, and industries.
Learning how to access and interpret these datasets equips researchers and advocates with additional evidence to support policy development and monitor market trends.
Research Updates and Communicating for Impact
The afternoon featured presentations on current research undertaken by the Tobacco Control Research Group, including tobacco endgame strategies and developments within Tobacco Tactics country and regional profiles.
The final session focused on one of the most important aspects of public health work—communication.
Participants explored strategies for working effectively with both traditional and digital media, understanding communication risks, and ensuring that research findings are translated into policy influence and real-world impact.
A key message emerged from the discussion: producing evidence is only the beginning. Lasting change depends on our ability to communicate that evidence clearly, responsibly, and strategically to those in positions to act.
Looking Ahead
Day three highlighted the increasing importance of integrating technology, data analytics, evidence generation, and strategic communication in modern tobacco control. As tobacco industry tactics continue to evolve, advocates must equally embrace innovation while maintaining scientific rigour and credibility.
The knowledge gained today will strengthen our ability to monitor industry activities, generate stronger evidence, and ultimately contribute to healthier public policies and improved population health.
#TIMRA2026
ODUOR KEVIN 