From Vascular Biology to Wearable Data: A Conversation with Professor Tim Chico

Description:
In this episode of Health Data Science Insights – Cambridge, Dr Elena Raffetti speaks with Professor Tim Chico, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Sheffield, Consultant Cardiologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, and Associate Director of the British Heart Foundation Data Science Centre.

Tim shares the unexpected beginnings of his research career in vascular development, how a chance project turned into 20 years of discovery biology, and what inspired his current vision: using smartphone and wearable data to improve cardiovascular care.

The conversation explores:

• The “accidental” nature of career paths in research

• The challenges and opportunities of integrating wearable and routine health data

• Building effective partnerships between academia and industry

• Why interpersonal and leadership skills are crucial in team science

• Work–life balance, hobbies, and lessons learned along the way

• Advice for young researchers on risk-taking, training, and self-worth

• The broader challenges of achieving equal access to healthcare in the UK

A thoughtful and inspiring discussion on careers, collaboration, and the future of health data science.