Cardiovascular (Research Division)

Diseases of the heart and circulatory system are the most common cause of mortality in the UK. Over 50 per cent of these deaths (140,000) are from coronary heart disease (CHD) and 25 per cent from stroke, with other causes including heart failure, cardiomyopathy and thromboembolic disorders. Cardiovascular disease also causes substantial morbidity. Is is the mission of the Cardiovascular Division to pursue integrated laboratory-to-bedside research programmes that improve the understanding of human cardiovascular disease and its treatment.

One of our central principles is to adopt a multidisciplinary integrative approach using in vitro methods and in vivo models, with a strong focus on translational research and the clinical/basic science interface. The division integrates the main research-active cardiovascular groups within the School of Medicine. In addition, we have strong collaborations and interactions with colleagues in other groupings such as the Randall Division (structural biology, imaging, biophysics) and the Division of Imaging Sciences.

We have been designated a British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, one of only four in the UK.

Qualification for principal investigator (PI) status within the division requires a sustained track record of high quality publications, significant peer-reviewed grant income, and a proven commitment to the supervision and training of graduate students.

Our overall research strategy is:
To pursue laboratory-to-bedside research programmes addressing fundamental molecular, cellular, physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease both experimentally and in patients and to undertake high-quality research training of non-clinicians and clinician scientists side by side.

We have a broad range of complementary basic and clinical research expertise, including the use of integrated state-of-the-art approaches to the study of cardiovascular biology and disorders. The vast majority of divisional research laboratories are housed in newly refurbished accommodation and have excellent equipment and facilities.

The Division has two major sites, namely the James Black Centre at the Denmark Hill Campus and the Rayne Institute at St Thomas' Hospital at Waterloo. We also have a section focusing on biophysics that is embedded within the multi-divisional environment of the Randall Division of Cell & Molecular Biophysics at Guy's Campus as well as a section at Waterloo Campus. All sites have excellent laboratory facilities and infrastructure, a critical mass of complementary multidisciplinary expertise, and unparalleled opportunities for clinical interaction and access to clinical material.

Excellent training opportunities in most areas of cardiovascular biology.