Prof Dave Hawkes receives Peter Mansfield Medal & Prize

In their announcement, the Institute of Physics describes Dave as “one of the most eminent medical physicists”.

“He’s made a significant impact in medical imaging research and is distinguished for his many and impressive contributions to the field. His work covers the whole spectrum of patient management from screening to diagnosis, therapy planning, image-guided interventions and treatment monitoring. His research interests encompass medical image computing, data fusion and modelling tissue deformation with applications in medical image analysis and image-guided interventions”.

After receiving his PhD from the University of Surrey in 1982, Dave spent several years working as a clinical scientist before returning to academia.

In 2005, he founded the Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC) at UCL, where he continued as Director until 2015. In 2018 he became the interim Director of the Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences (WEISS).

Throughout his career, Dave has conducted pioneering research that has advanced the field of medical imaging and image-guided interventions. He has always placed a large emphasis on the clinical pull and ensuring that academic research is translated for patient benefit.

Dave’s CV is filled with stellar accomplishments. He developed an accurate parametrisation of the X-ray attenuation coefficient, that led to the Jackson-Hawkes Parametrisation (used clinically on the world's first whole-body CT scanner).

His world-leading research provided major contributions to the first-fully automated and accurate 3D alignment of multi-modal medical images, with versions of these algorithms now available on nearly all commercial medical systems.

As Director of CMIC, he encouraged the development of technology to guide biopsy and focal therapy of the prostate based on multi-parametric MRI. This has had a significant impact on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment and has resulted in the development of the SmartTarget® system.

Upon receiving the award and medal, Dave said, “it's an enormous honour to be recognised by the Institute of Physics for my work in medical imaging research and translating this into the clinic.

““During my career, there has been a revolution in our ability to see inside the body with 3D imaging. Now we have the revolution in AI and data analytics that promises an even larger impact in detection, diagnostics and interventions. I would like to thank all those who have worked with me over the years and look forward to seeing the fruits of our research having an even greater impact on healthcare in the near future”.

Dave with members of the WEISS team at the UCLH Open Day 2018

In June 2019, Dave stepped down as Director of WEISS to enjoy a well-deserved semi-retirement. Prof Dan Stoyanov (formerly Deputy Director) has been appointed as the Centre’s new Director.

"It has been a pleasure being at the helm of WEISS during such a transformational time. I have always firmly believed that real progress happens when there is both ‘technical push’ and 'clinical pull' with excellent communication between disciplines.

"WEISS provides these at world-class levels. In particular, it provides a truly multi-disciplinary environment that allows engineers and scientists to appreciate the unmet clinical need and develop their technologies appropriately. At the same time, our clinicians are exposed to the potential of the latest advances in engineering and physical sciences. “

"I'm very proud of the work my colleagues are undertaking to ensure our research reaches the patients it is intended to benefit. With Dan Stoyanov's appointment as its new director and the array of extremely talented team members, the Centre is in excellent hands".

– Prof Dave Hawkes

Related links:

- Prof Dave Hawkes' research profile