Queen’s prize for heart scientists

Edinburgh scientists have received a prestigious award in recognition of 30 years of research into cardiovascular disease.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for higher and further education celebrate work that demonstrates practical benefit to people, in the UK and beyond.

The prizes are awarded every two years and represent the highest form of national recognition open to a UK academic or vocational institution.

Leading cardiovascular science

The University’s British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science has, over the past 30 years, been at the forefront of efforts to improve prevention and diagnosis of heart disease.

The team has published more than 100 research studies in leading academic journals and is globally recognised as a hub for innovative research that has an impact on clinical treatment.

Scientists at the centre have led or contributed to work that has:

• Proven the link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease
• Showed that CT scans can cut risk of subsequent heart attacks by half
• Evaluated the latest generation of diagnostic tests for angina and heart disease
• Developed of a new clinical risk score – GRACE – now adopted in 55 countries
• Established treatments to prevent recurrent heart attacks

A world leader

At the ceremony, Jo Johnson, Minister for Universities and Science, said that the UK is a world leader in science and research.

He added that the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes celebrate the achievements of Britain’s universities and colleges.

Mr Johnson said the award winners bring benefits to the everyday lives of millions of people across the UK and the world.

We are delighted to accept this prestigious honour, which recognises the vital contribution that universities can make to improving health and wellbeing around the world. It celebrates Edinburgh’s long-standing tradition of innovative medical research and will act as a real incentive for us to continue this great work

The prize medals will be awarded at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace in February.