David Paterson

David Paterson is Professor of Physiology and Head of the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics at the University of Oxford, a role he has held since 2016. He is also a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford, and has served in key administrative positions including Deputy Head (Vice Dean) of the Division of Medical Sciences (2008–2016). His leadership spans strategic planning and education policy, contributing to Oxford’s global ranking in Anatomy & Physiology.

Paterson’s research focuses on cardiorespiratory control, autonomic neuroscience, and cardiac neurobiology. His Cardiac Neurobiology Research Group investigates neural regulation of the heart in health and disease, with emphasis on hypertension, arrhythmias, and neurocardiac signaling. Key themes include sympathetic neurotransmission, cyclic nucleotide pathways, and bioelectronic interventions for cardiovascular disorders.

His recent publications (2020–2025) emphasize translational neurocardiology, exploring molecular mechanisms of sympathetic hyperactivity, stem cell-based disease models, and bioelectronic therapies. Articles consistently address autonomic dysregulation in hypertension, arrhythmia pathophysiology, and innovative diagnostic tools, reflecting interdisciplinary collaboration across physiology, neuroscience, and engineering.

Major Awards & Honors:

• Honorary Doctorates (Otago, UWA), Fellowships (FRSB, FAPS, FPhysiol)
• Presidency of The Physiological Society (2020–2022)
• Carl Ludwig Distinguished Award, Brookhart Award Lecture
• Editorships: Journal of Physiology (2011–2016), Experimental Physiology (2006–2011)

Paterson has supervised 27 doctoral students and secured ~£17M in funding, including a British Heart Foundation Centre of Excellence (£8.4M co-PI) and infrastructural grants for the Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Centre. His group leverages molecular, cellular, and whole-organ approaches to advance neurocardiac therapeutics.