This programme made cardiovascular imaging data easier for researchers to access and use, linking datasets and supporting with advanced analysis techniques.
Scientific leadership: Professor Michelle Williams
About this work
Cardiovascular imaging data has enormous potential to transform disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. This programme focused on making it easier for researchers to access and link imaging data with other health datasets across the UK, making new innovations in cardiovascular research possible.
Working with researchers, clinicians, data custodians and patient representatives, we helped to address the technical, governance and analytical challenges of using imaging data at scale.
What this programme delivered
Established cardiovascular imaging research priorities
We collaborated with over 80 experts to identify and prioritise 500 key research questions in cardiovascular imaging. Using a structured framework, we distilled these into a Top 10 list, focusing on patient impact, feasibility, and potential to reduce healthcare inequalities.
Read the full workshop report.
View the research priorities publication.
Engaged patients and the public
To support us with setting research priorities, we co-designed a public survey to align research with patient needs and priorities.
Read the survey report.
Watch our PPIE webinar.
SHIELD-CVD
Find out more about the ScottisH medical Imaging dataset with Evaluation of Linked Data for CardioVascular Disease (SHIELD-CVD) project.
Scaled-up imaging research using advanced methods
We explored two key approaches to enable secure, large-scale research:
- Synthetic Data – Running an open challenge to develop AI models using synthetic ECG images, with the winning entry showcased at the European Society of Cardiology Conference 2025.
- Federated Analysis – Conducting a national survey to assess researcher needs and opportunities for federated data analysis.
Drove policy and implementation
Professor Michelle Williams contributed to British Standard BS 30440, a framework guiding the validation and deployment of AI tools in NHS healthcare. This ensures that AI-driven imaging research translates into real-world patient benefits.