David Thompson obtained degrees in nursing, psychology, social policy and medical social anthropology in the UK. Since 1994 he has been a full Professor at the universities of Hull, York and Leicester ion the UK, Chinese University of Hong Kong in China, and the Australian Catholic University and University of Melbourne in Australia. He was also the UK government’s first Professor of Nursing Research and Development at the Department of Health in London. His clinical research interests are in cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure disease management and health-related quality of life. He is recognized internationally for his work in these areas and has received numerous awards and fellowships.