About Community Voices in Vascular Research
Community Voices in Vascular Research is all about bringing people and researchers together to improve vascular research.
We're run by the University of Leicester's vascular research team, and we work with people from across the UK who have experience of vascular conditions, either as patients, carers, family members, or members of the public with an interest in vascular health. By sharing their experiences, ideas, and opinions, our volunteers help researchers design better studies, make research more relevant, and ensure that the voices of the people most affected by vascular conditions are heard every step of the way.
We started the project in 2023 after recognising that there weren't enough opportunities for people with lived experience of vascular conditions to get involved in the design and oversight of research. We wanted to create a simple way for people to make a difference and for researchers to connect with those whose insights can help shape future care.
Today, Community Voices supports vascular research teams across the UK, helping to ensure that research is guided by the people it is ultimately intended to benefit. Whether you're interested in joining us as a volunteer, or you're a researcher looking to involve patients and the public in your work, we'd love to hear from you.
Meet the Community Voices Leadership Team
Professor Matt Bown
Matt is The British Heart Foundation Chair of Vascular Surgery, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator, and Head of the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences for the University of Leicester.
Matt is a vascular surgeon and researcher with an international reputation for improving the understanding and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a condition where the body's main artery becomes enlarged. His research has helped identify the genetic factors that can increase the risk of developing an AAA, improving understanding of why the condition occurs. He also leads research into AAA screening, helping to improve how the condition is detected early. His work has contributed to changes in NHS practice, helping more people receive timely diagnosis and care.
Professor Athanasios (Thanos) Saratzis
Thanos is an NIHR Research Professor of Vascular Surgery based within the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences (University of Leicester) who has an interest in clinical and translational research.
Thanos leads major clinical research studies in the UK and around the world to help improve the treatment of vascular disease. He works with experts nationally and internationally to develop new treatments, improve patient care, and shape clinical guidelines. He also leads research partnerships with industry through the Leicester British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Excellence Award, helping to bring new advances in vascular care to patients.
Imelda Black
Imelda is the PPI Coordinator with the University of Leicester vascular research team. She established the Community Voices in Vascular Research, and is the first point of contact for participants and researchers interested in accessing the service.
Imelda joined the NHS in 2009 and has worked in several areas of healthcare, including mental health services, cancer services, maternity services and community nursing teams. She joined the vascular research team in 2019 as a Clinical Research Practitioner before moving into her current role with the University in 2023. She holds a BA (honours) in Business Management specialising in Leadership Practice, and a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
Dr Sian Baldock
Sian is Senior Clinical Research Manager for The British Heart Foundation Chair of Vascular Surgery, Matt Bown and The NIHR Research Professor of Vascular Surgery, Thanos Saratzis at the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
Sian oversees the work of the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPI) Coordinator, providing strategic guidance and ensuring that PPI activities are effectively embedded across research programmes. She also provides oversight and management of research projects led by Professor Matt Bown and Professor Athanasios Saratzis, supporting the successful delivery of high-quality vascular research.
Our Network
We collaborate with the organisations below on areas of mutual interest while maintaining our organisational independence:
