Biography

Professor Rothwell is a clinical neurologist with an interest in stroke. He was appointed as Clinical Lecturer in Oxford in 1996, was awarded an MRC Senior Clinical Fellowship in 2000, and was given the title of Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Oxford in 2004. He founded the Stroke Prevention Research Unit in 2000, which has since published over 250 scientific papers.

In addition to prevention of stroke, his research interests include hypertension, the risks and benefits of aspirin, and the more general theme of how best to apply the results of clinical trials and other forms of research to clinical decisions with individual patients in routine clinical practice.

Professor Rothwell’s responsibilities outside Oxford include editorial duties for several international scientific journals, membership of committees of several multicentre trials, and several national and international scientific and advisory committees.

Awards Training and Qualifications

• 1987 MB ChB, University of Edinburgh
• 1995 MD, University of Edinburgh
• 1999 PhD, University of Edinburgh
• 2002 FRCP, London
• 2008 FMedSci, Academy of Medical Sciences
• 2009 Senior Investigator Award, National Institute of Health Research
• 2009 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Clinical Research, British Medical Journal
• 2009 Foulkes Foundation Medal, Academy of Medical Sciences
• 2010 Bienniel Award for Oustanding Contribution to Stroke Research, World Stroke Organisation
• 2011 Honorary Professorial Fellowship, George Institute, University of Sydney
• 2011 RD Wright Lectureship, High Blood Pressure Reseach Council of Australia
• 2011 Senior Investigator Award, Wellcome Trust

Research Summary

Main research interests are in the causes of stroke and improving the prevention of stroke, particularly after a TIA or minor stroke. Other interests include the more general theme of how best to apply the results of clinical trials and other forms of research to clinical decisions with individual patients in routine clinical practice, hypertension, and the effects of aspirin on non-vascular outcomes, such as cancer.

Sources of Funding

• Wellcome Trust
• Medical Research Council
• Stroke Association
• National Institute for Health Research
• Dunhill Medical Trust
• Oxford Biomedical Research Centre
• Thames Valley Primary Care Research Partnership