1. Purpose of Visit

The purpose of Professor’s Shah inaugural visit was to strengthen academic and research collaboration between the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology and the University of Glasgow, with a particular focus on clinical research, clinical trial capacity, and international partnership development. The visit also included discussions on the ACROSS initiative and the formalisation of collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

2. Programme Summary - Monday, 30 March 2026

0900 – 0930
Professor Shah was received at the University of Glasgow (Wolfson Medical School Building) and met with Professor Iain McInnes, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences. Discussions focused on strategic academic collaboration and institutional priorities.

0930 – 1000
Meeting with Professor Andy Waters, Dean of Internationalisation, at the Sir Graeme Davies Building. The discussion centred on expanding international partnerships and opportunities for collaborative research and academic exchange.

1000 – 1130
Visit to the Robertson Centre for Biostatistics and the Glasgow UKCRC-Registered Clinical Trials Unit (Clarice Pears Building), hosted by Professor John Petrie. The session included an overview of Robertson Centre for Biostatistics ongoing trials, infrastructure, and expertise in biostatistics and trial and data management.

1130 – 1230
Meeting with Rod and David at the Clarice Pears Building to discuss the ACROSS programme. This session included detailed discussions on collaborative frameworks and concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

1230 – 1330
Lunch at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) with University of Glasgow ACROSS coapplicants, including Professor Emma McIntosh, Rod, David, and Mary Ryan (International Research Development Manager). Informal discussions reinforced partnership objectives and future collaboration.

1330 – 1345
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

1400 – 1530
Tour of the Clinical Research Facility and Imaging Research Facility, hosted by Dr John Haughney (Associate Clinical Director) and Tracey Hopkins (Lead Research Radiographer). The visit provided insights into advanced clinical research infrastructure and imaging capabilities.

1530 – 1600
Return to the University of Glasgow.

3. Key Outcomes

Key specific outcomes included:

  • Mutual commitment, bilateral institutional partnership between the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology and the University of Glasgow, and long-term collaboration.
  • Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Peshawar Institute of Cardiology and the NIHR-funded ACROSS research programme.
  • Discussion of the key role of Peshawar Institute of Cardiology in the forthcoming ACROSS work packages 2 and 3.
  • Exploration of Glasgow’s support and mentorship for the development of Peshawar Institute of Cardiology, planned the establishment of its Clinical Trial Unit.
  • Discussion of arrangements of two Peshawar Institute of Cardiology-funded PhDs registered at the University of Glasgow.

4. Conclusion

This highly productive visit provided a strong foundation for future bilateral partnerships in clinical research, education, and institutional development between the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology, University of Glasgow and the ACROSS programme.

Professors Rod Taylor & Shahkar Shah, 5th April 2026