Dr Nicholas Evans

Position Governing Body Fellow
School Clinical Medicine
Department Neurology Unit
Email ne214@cam.ac.uk
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Nicholas is a Consultant in Stroke Medicine and a researcher in Cerebrovascular Medicine. His research involves imaging of the brain and blood vessels in individuals with cerebrovascular disease and stroke.

Nicholas is an enthusiastic medical educator, having delivered clinical supervisions for over a decade and teaching regularly on the clinical medicine course. He is the joint lead for Cambridge’s INSPIRE scheme (supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Wellcome Trust) that aims to promote research skills and participation amongst students. He has co-ordinated examinations for the School of Clinical Medicine and served on the Faculty Board. Nicholas is also a tutor on the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education at the Institute of Continuing Education in Cambridge, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has a Master's in Medical Education and is Director of Studies in Pre-Clinical Medicine at Wolfson.

Nicholas’ research involves the imaging of atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries due to the build-up of cholesterol. Atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries – the main blood supply to the brain – is a major cause of stroke, where damage to the lining of the blood vessel causes blood clots to form that subsequently break off and block downstream blood vessels within the brain. By using specialist imaging techniques – positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Nicholas’ research is able to identify areas of atherosclerosis that are at a high-risk of causing stroke. This work has also illustrated how disease in the arteries – in particular inflammation – may be associated with chronic changes in the brain that are associated with vascular dementia. His current work explores this link further, as well as evaluating new treatments to treat atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of stroke.

Nicholas’ clinical research also considers the role of clinical frailty – the loss of physiological reserve – on outcomes after stroke, and how vascular ageing influences this.

He is also active in medical education research; investigating the dual role experienced by medical educators who are also doctors in training, and how this influences their own professional development. He also has interests in the use of simulation-based education and the association between selection metrics and subsequent performance in medical education.

Nicholas has spoken regularly on stroke and cerebrovascular disease at the Cambridge Science Festival and Festival of Ideas, and has spoken about his work in national print and television interviews.

Nicholas’ research has been recognised by awards from the Royal College of Physicians (Quincentennial Lectureship), Royal Society of Medicine (Harvey Prize for Vascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Section President’s Prize), British Atherosclerosis Society (Binks Young Investigator Award), British Association of Stroke Physicians (Warlow Prize), and prizes from the Wellcome Trust, British Heart Foundation, and European Stroke Organisation.

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A triptych of three plant-themed paintings: the left shows large leaves, the center features a dark forest scene, and the right depicts vibrant, stylized foliage and flowers.

Art Exhibition: 'Life Within Landscapes'

21/09/2024 at 10.00

Explore Wolfson's newest exhibition, 'Life Within Landscapes', showcasing works by three Cambridge-based female contemporary artists, inspired by their Caribbean heritage.

Three women are engaged in a panel discussion on stage, seated on armchairs. A microphone, jug of water, and glasses are on the table in front of them.

A Woman's Place is in the Lab: Celebrating Women in STEM

28/09/2024 at 14.00

Celebrate Professor Jane Clarke’s legacy in STEM and join her for a discussion with four female scientists at different career stages about increasing accessibility for women in the field.