David Werring

David Werring is Professor of Clinical Neurology at University College London’s Queen Square Institute of Neurology and an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He leads the Stroke Research Centre and heads the Research Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation at the Institute of Neurology.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University College London (2000)
• Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), University of London (1992)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of London (1989)

Research Interests

Professor Werring’s research focuses on cerebral small vessel disease, the most common brain disorder, with particular emphasis on intracerebral haemorrhage—the most devastating form of stroke. He employs advanced neuroimaging techniques, especially MRI, to investigate pathophysiology and outcomes. His work spans cerebral amyloid angiopathy, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and post-stroke cognitive decline. He leads observational, genetic, and interventional studies, including large-scale clinical trials.

He is Chief or Co-Chief Investigator for major trials such as OPTIMAS (anticoagulation timing after stroke), PROHIBIT-ICH (blood pressure lowering after ICH), and CROMIS-2 (microbleeds relevance). He also leads the international MICON collaboration on cerebral microbleeds.

Scientific Awards & Leadership Roles

• NIHR Senior Investigator (2024–present)
• President, British Association of Stroke Physicians (2024–2026)
• Past-Chair, UK Stroke Forum
• Chair, Association of British Neurologists Stroke Advisory Group
• Stroke Specialty Lead, NIHR North Thames Clinical Research Network
• Expert Advisor, NICE Centre for Guidelines
• Editorial Boards: European Journal of Neurology, European Stroke Journal, Practical Neurology
• Life Member, Clare Hall, University of Cambridge (since 2023)

Teaching & Supervision

Professor Werring is Course Director of the UCL MSc/MRes/PG Cert in Stroke Medicine. He supervises PhD and postdoctoral researchers, mentors clinical trainees in stroke medicine, and delivers teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels both nationally and internationally.

Labs & Collaborative Networks

He directs the Stroke Research Centre at UCL and leads the Microbleeds International Collaborative Network (MICON). He sits on Trial Steering Committees for multi-centre studies including TICH-3, R4VaD, LACI-2, RECAST-3, and TWIST.