Rustam Salman

Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman is a prominent figure in the field of clinical neurology, leading the Research to Understand Stroke due to Haemorrhage (RUSH) programme, which is dedicated to enhancing outcomes for adults afflicted by conditions that may lead to, or have resulted in, intracranial haemorrhage.

 

His career was profoundly influenced by Charles Warlow and the esteemed stroke research group at the University of Edinburgh, where he began his journey in 1998 as an MRC clinical training fellow. Over the years, Professor Al-Shahi Salman progressed through MRC patient-oriented clinician scientist and senior clinical fellowships, culminating in his appointment as Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Edinburgh in August 2013. His research focus has since been on methodologically rigorous randomised controlled trials aimed at preventing and treating stroke due to intracranial haemorrhage.

 

In addition to his academic pursuits, Professor Al-Shahi Salman has been an honorary consultant neurologist since 2006, providing comprehensive care for patients with neurological conditions, including stroke. He is actively involved in auditing care, mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students, and addressing clinical uncertainties within the RUSH programme.

 

As Clinical Director of the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit since 2020 and a member of the UKCRC Network of Registered Clinical Trials Units for 2023-2024, he is committed to enhancing collaborations between chief investigators and Clinical Trials Units. His dedication to increasing the value of biomedical research by reducing waste in various aspects of research is evident from his role as a lead author for The Lancet's 2014 Series on Increasing Value and Reducing Waste in Research and his involvement with the REWARD Alliance.

 

Professor Al-Shahi Salman’s commitment extends beyond clinical research to environmental sustainability. As President of the British & Irish Association of Stroke Physicians (BIASP), he spearheaded their partnership with the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change. He also serves as a sustainability champion for the University of Edinburgh and is actively working to reduce carbon consumption in stroke services within NHS Lothian. His personal dedication to sustainability is reflected in his choice of cycling as his primary mode of transport.