Professor Steffen Petersen to become interim Director of the BHF Data Science Centre

Professor Sudlow is a stroke neurologist and epidemiologist at the University of Edinburgh. She is internationally recognised for her long-standing expertise in leading major health data science projects of global relevance. She was awarded an OBE for services to medical research in 2020. 

Professor Sudlow is stepping down to lead the £62 million Adolescent Health Study. Funded by the Medical Research Council, the study will follow the health of at least 100,000 8–18-year-olds over a minimum of 10 years. It aims to improve our understanding of the developments that occur in teenagers and young adults.

 

Professor Sudlow said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to be at HDR UK, having been involved from the start. It’s informed my thinking, provided many opportunities, and has allowed me to work alongside really great people in a terrific team.

 

"There have been so many things we’ve contributed to, and there comes a time when it’s right to let others pick these up and take them forward. HDR UK has many talented people ready to ensure these initiatives thrive and take them in new directions.”

 

Professor Bryan Williams, our Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Professor Cathie Sudlow for her dedicated leadership of the BHF Data Science Centre since its launch, and we wish her well as she takes on this new challenge.   

 

“The BHF Data Science Centre was able to quickly pivot its focus during the Covid-19 pandemic, helping answer some of the most urgent research questions. As Director, Professor Sudlow has undoubtedly helped to advance health data research and unlock breakthroughs to make a difference for patients.” 

Professor Petersen, who was appointed as Deputy Director of the BHF Data Science Centre in July 2023, now takes on the role of its interim Director.  

 

Professor Petersen is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, Consultant Cardiologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, UK Biobank cardiac imaging lead and an expert in cardiac imaging data science. 

 

Professor Petersen said: "I am delighted to take up the interim director role of the BHF Data Science Centre and its fantastic team. I have big shoes to fill, but I look forward to continuing to enable ground-breaking cardiovascular health data science and working on our strategy for the next five years." 

 

Professor Williams continued, “We’re delighted to announce Professor Steffen Petersen as the interim Director of the BHF Data Science Centre.

 

"Health data research will be critical to transform healthcare and reignite progress to reduce the number of people developing and dying from cardiovascular disease. We look forward to working with Professor Petersen to continue to drive forward this crucial work.”