Royal Devon consultant wins national award for 25 years of world-leading stroke research

A leading stroke specialist at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to stroke research.

Professor Martin James received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the UK Stroke Forum in December 2024 for his work in improving stroke treatments over the past 25 years.

A Consultant Stroke Physician and Honorary Clinical Professor at the University of Exeter Medical School, Professor James has been at the forefront of advancing stroke care throughout his career. His recent work includes working with stroke colleagues across 100 UK hospitals to run a £2M research study that is set to enhance stroke care globally.

The OPTIMAS trial will improve stroke treatment by finding the best time to start anti-clotting drugs for patients who have strokes due to a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation. This research, published in the leading medical journal The Lancet, was funded by the British Heart Foundation and led by University College London.

Professor James’ work also focuses on using cutting-edge technology to improve stroke care. He is currently involved in ground-breaking research using AI and machine learning to help doctors identify which stroke patients are most likely to benefit from thrombolysis, a treatment that can greatly reduce disability when given early.

Funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), this £1.7M research programme is a collaboration between the Royal Devon and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC). It is the first example in the world of AI becoming a regular part of a national stroke audit. This innovation will help hospitals adjust thrombolysis treatment to better meet the needs of their local communities.

Professor Adrian Harris, Chief Medical Officer for the Royal Devon, said:

“We are delighted that Professor James’s continuous dedication to improving the lives of people with stroke has been recognised nationally, and we are very proud of his achievements. Since starting as a Consultant Physician in Stroke, General, and Geriatric Medicine at Royal Devon in 1997, he has made a significant contribution to research locally, regionally, nationally and internationally."

"His pioneering work has led to better outcomes for stroke patients, and we are excited about the AI project’s potential to drive even greater improvements in care. As a research-led Trust, we are committed to embedding research into the care we provide, and Professor James’s work is a shining example of what we strive to achieve.”

Professor Martin James said:

“I am honoured to receive this recognition from the UK stroke community. Stroke has a profound impact on patients and families, and on society, so it is immensely rewarding to see how research can drive advancements in stroke treatment and improve outcomes for patients.

“I would like to thank my colleagues at the Royal Devon, the University of Exeter, and at the national stroke audit, as well as people with stroke who have worked so closely with us in our research. I am particularly excited about the potential of AI to make stroke care more personalised and effective, ensuring that every stroke patient gets the best available treatment as quickly as possible.”

The Royal Devon has an excellent reputation for pioneering clinical research, find out more on the Trust website.

https://www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/our-research