John Allen

Dr

    Calculated based on number of publications stored in Pure and citations from Scopus
    1992 …2025

    Research activity per year

    Personal profile

    Vision Statement

    A healthier world. My contribution by undertaking world leading R&D in vascular optics and vascular sensing from macro- to micro-circulation for the benefit of the patient and society - aiming to also help reduce health inequalities.

    Research Interests

    Please see CV.

    Biography

    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 specialist and innovator. 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 2020, I took up the new post of Professor in Biosensors and Bioinstrumentation at Coventry University's new Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare (CIH). I am fascinated to explore the power of light in medicine ("vascular optics"), with its many opportunities in microcirculation and vascular research. I have now established specialist clinical grade measurement facilities for my microvascular research at Coventry and am Cluster Lead for a growing research team (Intelligent Vascular Optics and Microvascular Sensing, from single-handed up to 2023 to now having 5 PGR students and 1 Assistant Professor with me - including joint student collaborations with world leading ETH Zurich and A* Singapore universities). My research focus is about development of tests using AI techniques applied to vascular optics signals and images.

    Applying for specific funding to take aspects of these forward. I welcome discussions on collaboration in vascular optics research, an impactful and relatively new way of looking at things with light.

    Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

    In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

    • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

    Education/Academic qualification

    Medical Physics, Doctorate, Multi-site PPG in PAD detection, Newcastle University

    1 May 19951 Oct 2002

    Award Date: 4 Dec 2002

    Bioengineering, MSc, Adaptive control, University of Strathclyde

    1 Oct 19881 Oct 1989

    Award Date: 1 Oct 1989

    Finance and Management: CDipAF, Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance (CDipAF), from ACCA

    19871988

    Award Date: 29 Sept 1988

    Control Engineering, Degree, Systems Identification, University of Sheffield

    1 Sept 198230 Jun 1985

    Award Date: 4 Jul 1985

    External positions

    Visiting Professor at Newcastle University, Newcastle University

    1 Aug 2021 → …

    Individual Member, Parliamentary and Scientific Committee

    1 Jan 202131 Dec 2025

    Personal Readership in Microcirculation, Newcastle University

    1 Aug 201831 Jul 2021

    Executive Editorial Board, Physiological Measurement, Institute of Physics Publishing

    1 Jan 2011 → …

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