Nigel Key

Nigel Key serves as the Harold R. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Pathology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He holds multiple leadership roles including Vice Chief of the Department of Medicine, Director of the UNC Blood Research Center, and Director of the Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center. His clinical practice focuses exclusively on benign hematology within the Division of Hematology.

Dr. Key's research centers on cellular biochemical mechanisms of coagulation, with emphasis on cancer-associated thrombosis, sickle cell disease, and HIV-related cardiovascular complications. His laboratory investigates how cells interact with coagulation proteins during disease states, developing novel assays to evaluate contact activation and fibrinolysis in both human disease and mouse models. His work spans from basic laboratory studies to large-scale clinical cohort investigations.

As a leading figure in thrombosis research, Dr. Key has contributed significantly to clinical guidelines including the ASCO Guidelines on Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer. His research program integrates molecular mechanisms with translational applications, focusing on biomarker identification for thrombosis risk prediction.

• President, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (2016-2018)
• Biggs-MacFarlane Plenary Lecture, British Society of Haematology (2015)
• Researcher of the Year, National Hemophilia Foundation (2003)
• Teacher of the Year, University of Minnesota (1998)

Dr. Key directs the UNC Blood Research Center and co-leads the Thrombosis and Hemostasis research program within the McAllister Heart Institute. His clinical work through the Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center involves managing complex bleeding and clotting disorders, with patient testimonials highlighting his exceptional clinical care and patient-centered approach as recently as March 2025.