BHF Alumni Voices Podcast: An Evening with Professor Joanna Wardlaw Now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Professor Wardlaw, a renowned figure in the field of neuroimaging and vascular disease, shared fascinating insights from her distinguished career. Professor Wardlaw is Chair of Applied Neuroimaging and Head of Neuroimaging Sciences and Edinburgh Imaging at the University of Edinburgh. She is also the director for the Row Fogo Centre for Research into Ageing and the Brain and Clinical Director of the BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research.

Professor Wardlaw’s work on the pathophysiology of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and brain ageing has earned her a place among the top 10 most highly cited female researchers in the UK.  

Joining her in conversation was Professor James Leiper, Director of Research at the BHF. His background in molecular biology and deep interest in cardiovascular physiology complemented Professor Wardlaw’s expertise in SVD. 

The evening provided a rare opportunity to delve into Professor Wardlaw’s personal history and motivations. She spoke candidly about her journey into the field of neuroimaging, the challenges she faced as a young woman and mother early in her career, and the driving forces behind her commitment to advancing research into cerebral small vessel disease.  

You can listen to the full discussion here on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

The BHF continues to offer resources to stay informed and inspired. Their YouTube channel features real stories from people living with heart and circulatory conditions, as well as special episodes with BHF celebrity ambassadors. Additionally, the BHF's Heart Matters magazine provides in-depth research articles, including studies on lacunar stroke and other critical areas of cardiovascular research. 

The focus of the Row Fogo Centre for Research into Ageing and the Brain is to improve the understanding of how blood vessel diseases can damage the brain, leading to stroke, cognitive decline, dementia, and mobility problems.