I set up and ran the first International Stroke Trial (IST-1), the first ‘mega-trial’ in acute ischaemic stroke from 1991-1997.19,453 patients were recruited within 48 hours of stroke onset from 467 hospitals in 37 countries. I was the Co-Chief Investigator of IST-3, the largest-ever trial of ‘clot-busting’ thrombolytic therapy for acute ischaemic stroke with 3035 patients. I have a major interest in clinical trials, systematic reviews and Evidence-Based Medicine.

My main academic activities in retirement relate to clinical trial research governance though membership or Chairmanship of Trial Steering Committes and Trial Data Monitoring Committees.