ProfessorWalter McNicholas

Walter's research interests include the pathophysiology, treatment and outcomes of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA), the cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of the disorder, basic cell and molecular mechanisms and consequences of intermittent hypoxia, in addition to sleep disturbances in COPD and other chronic respiratory disorders. Walter has been closely involved in the evaluation of novel ambulatory monitoring devices for sleep disorders. Recent projects include the mechanisms of nocturnal hypertension in OSA and the overlap syndrome of OSA and COPD. Other major interests include driving safety in OSA and Walter has taken a lead role in the development of new EU guidelines that led to a revision of Annex III of the EU Driving License regulations for patients with OSA. His group is also a lead centre in the European Sleep Apnoea Database project that currently includes over 40,000 patients from over 20 academic centres throughout Europe and represents one of the largest global database of patients with OSA. Walter's continuing research activity is well demonstrated by his role as a Work Package Leader and Executive Board Member in the Sleep Revolution project, which received a grant of 15 million euros from the EU Horizon programme in 2021