Rate My Professor Gerry McCann

Professor Gerry McCann serves as Professor of Cardiac Imaging and NIHR Research Professor (Experimental Medicine) within the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Leicester. In March 2026, he was appointed British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology, supported by a prestigious five-year award of £1.265 million, recognizing his nearly two decades of BHF-funded research. As an Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, he is nationally recognized for his expertise in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. His academic career is marked by leadership roles, including Cardiovascular Theme Lead for the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Intervention Theme Lead for the BHF Leicester Centre of Research Excellence, immediate past-chair of the British Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance research group, lead of the PhOSP-COVID cardiovascular working group, and chair of the East Midlands Cardiovascular Clinical Research Network. Additionally, he leads imaging research for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).

McCann's research centers on leveraging advanced cardiac imaging, particularly MRI, to enhance the diagnosis, understanding, and treatment of heart disease. He conducts experimental studies in patients to elucidate mechanisms of heart disease and leads clinical trials evaluating optimal investigative strategies and therapies for those with or at risk of conditions such as coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, aortic stenosis, heart failure, and diabetes-associated cardiomyopathy. His pioneering applications of cardiac MRI have significantly influenced global clinical practices in these domains. By integrating multimodal data—including imaging, proteomics, genomics, and machine learning—his ongoing work aims to identify early disease markers, refine precision imaging tools, and expedite novel interventions. Notable accolades include the NIHR Senior Investigator award granted in 2025, providing £20,000 annually for four years to support his team and new studies, as well as the completion of an NIHR Research Professorship. These honors underscore his commitment to translating research into improved patient outcomes and training the next generation of cardiovascular researchers.