Holds degrees in Cardiorespiratory Physiology and Medicine from UCL. Currently consultant in intensive care medicine. Leads a highly successful research group in cardiovascular genetics at UCL.

Authored the first description of a gene influencing human physical performance in the prestigious scientific journal Nature. More than 100 peer reviewed scientific publications.

Member of the diving team that raised the Mary Rose from the Solent in 1982. Climbs in the Alps, Himalayas, and Andes. Holds a Cat X skydiving qualification.