Research Committee

Collaborative Research Standing Committee

The BIHS Collaborative Research Standing Committee drives scientific progress by shaping research priorities and supporting high-quality investigation into hypertension and cardiovascular health.

The committee identifies key gaps in knowledge, aligns research activity with clinical needs and public health priorities, and helps guide funding decisions and collaborative opportunities. It also fosters a strong research culture across BIHS, connecting academics, clinicians, and early career researchers to promote impactful work that advances patient care.

Key responsibilities include:

Setting national research priorities in blood pressure and prevention of related conditions
Supporting grant review, strategic planning and research development
Nurturing early career researchers and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration
Ensuring BIHS research has reach, relevance and real-world impact

Chair: Professor Indranil Dasgupta

Members:

Professor Phil Chowienczyk
Dr Chris Clark
Professor Isla Mackenzie
Professor Anthony Heagerty
Dr Manish Sinha
Dr Helen Warren
Dr Pauline Swift
Dr Manish Saxena
Dr Tim Doulton
Dr Eduard Shantsila
Dr David Wingfield
Dr Bushra Farukh
Dr Sunil Nadar
Dr Ryan McNally

Research Network:

The Research Network comprises BIHS members from all over the UK and Ireland who are actively involved in research.

Remit

To design and execute new clinical research studies expected to benefit from collaboration among several centres
To engage with stakeholders to secure funding for BIHS research studies
To consider individual research projects for BIHS ‘endorsement’ for grant applications
To peer review of new studies
To identify priority areas for research
To support recruitment to studies via the BIHS network
To support BIHS members to develop research ideas, design clinical studies, apply for grants, secure funding, deliver studies
To support ECR to develop research ideas, design clinical studies, apply for grants, secure funding, deliver studies
To support research in ‘hard-to-reach’ groups with hypertension
To support research in children and young people with hypertension

Early Career Research Special Interest Group (SIG)

The BIHS Early Career Researchers Special Interest Group (ECR SIG) provides a supportive platform for early career researchers in hypertension and cardiovascular science, offering opportunities for networking, mentorship, and showcasing research. The group is led by an ECR representative who serves a two-year term on the BIHS Executive Committee, and ECR SIG members also contribute to other BIHS committees, ensuring strong representation across the society. In addition, the group plays a key role in shaping the annual BIHS scientific conference by organising the dedicated ECR session, giving early career voices a central place in the programme.

Our mission:

Support early career researchers working in hypertension and cardiovascular health across the UK and Ireland.
Provide a platform for ECRs to present their research, gain feedback, and build confidence in academic and clinical settings
Facilitate networking, collaboration, and mentorship between ECRs and senior researchers within the BIHS community.
Promote career development through training events, workshops, and guidance on funding, publishing, and public engagement.
Encourage interdisciplinary research and integration between clinical practice and biomedical science in hypertension research.
Champion inclusivity and diversity among early career members, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources.
Contribute to the BIHS mission by nurturing the next generation of leaders in hypertension research and clinical care.

Representative: Dr Ryan McNally

Members:

Miss Bushra Farukh
Dr Sinead McDonagh
Dr Hafiz Naderi
Mr Matthew Lim

Definition of an ECR:

Clinician: In a training-grade post up to and including specialist registrar level but not at consultant or GP level.
Hypertension Scientist: An undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters/PhD) student or a scientist who has received their PhD within the past five years (allowing for career breaks).