Research output per year
Research output per year
Research activity per year
A healthier world. My contribution by undertaking world leading R&D in vascular optics / microvascular sensing for the benefit of the patient and society - aiming to also help reduce health inequalities.
Vascular optics and novel microvascular assessment. Optics in Medicine.
Photoplethysmography and pulse wave analysis.
Novel sensor development, signal and image processing.
Endothelial function and tissue viability assessment.
Cardiovascular physics.
Quantitative and Qualitative research.
Microcirculation in health and disease.
I started my career in industry in instrumentation and control engineering, then moving into biomedical engineering after studying for a master’s degree in Bioengineering at Strathclyde University. In 1989 I joined the NHS / Northern Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering department based at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, first working with the Cardiovascular Physics and Engineering Research Group allied to Newcastle University, then becoming lead Clinical Scientist specialising in microvascular assessment i.e., studying the smaller blood vessels of the body. I have a PhD in the vascular optics pulse technique known as photoplethysmography (PPG), for which I am a recognised authority. I am a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Scientist, State Registered Clinical Scientist, and a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (Accredited Senior Imaging Scientist).
In 2001 I founded the unique vascular optics measurement facilities at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital for patient microvascular assessments, establishing a platform for wide ranging collaborative research in clinical physiological measurement as well as medical device, sensor and signal / image processing development work. A main group assessed was those with a suspected auto-immune connective tissue disease including patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon.
In early 2020, I was encouraged to apply to Coventry University for the new post of Professor in Biosensors and Bioinstrumentation at its new Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare (CIH) in Healthcare Technology and Innovation. I started the new Chair position in July 2020 and I am fascinated to explore the power of light in medicine ("vascular optics"), with its many opportunities in microcirculation research for early disease detection. I have established specialist facilities for my microvascular research at Coventry as Specialty Lead in Vascular Optics and Microcirculation within the CIH.
Medical Physics, Doctorate, Multi-site PPG in PAD detection, Newcastle University
1 May 1995 → 1 Oct 2002
Award Date: 4 Dec 2002
Bioengineering, MSc, Adaptive control, University of Strathclyde
1 Oct 1988 → 1 Oct 1989
Award Date: 1 Oct 1989
Finance and Management: CDipAF, Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance (CDipAF), from ACCA
1987 → 1988
Award Date: 29 Sept 1988
Control Engineering, Degree, Systems Identification, University of Sheffield
1 Sept 1982 → 30 Jun 1985
Award Date: 4 Jul 1985
Visiting Professor at Newcastle University, Newcastle University
1 Aug 2021 → …
Individual Member, Parliamentary and Scientific Committee
1 Jan 2021 → 31 Dec 2025
Personal Readership in Microcirculation, Newcastle University
1 Aug 2018 → 31 Jul 2021
Executive Editorial Board, Physiological Measurement, Institute of Physics Publishing
1 Jan 2011 → …
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
John Allen (Member)
Activity: Membership › Membership of board
John Allen (Member)
Activity: Membership › Membership of network
John Allen (Speaker)
Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
John Allen (Member)
Activity: Membership › Membership of network
John Allen (Speaker)
Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
Allen, John (Recipient), 3 Dec 2019
Prize: Other distinction
Allen, John (Recipient) & Griffiths, Bridget (Recipient), 3 Sept 2021
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Allen, John (Recipient), 26 Feb 2007
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Allen, John (Recipient), 16 Nov 2017
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Allen, John (Recipient), 10 Oct 2022
Prize: National/international honour
15/09/22
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Other
14/05/22
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Other
5/05/22
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Other
13/01/22
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities