The National Heart and Lung Institute is dedicated to improving cardiac, vascular and respiratory health through research and education.   

The NHLI is one of the largest departments in the world undertaking heart, lung and vascular research. We continue to retain our position as a highly respected research centre carrying out research, development and education in cardiovascular and respiratory science. We achieve this through a powerful blend of world-leading clinical and non-clinical (basic) academics, great facilities, highly-rated teaching and an extensive network of international collaborations. The National Heart and Lung Institute was the highest ranked of Imperial’s medical departments in the last survey of research quality (REF 2014).

Heart failure, breathlessness and respiratory infections are amongst the most common conditions that can affect everybody and anybody. We are working towards combatting some of the most prevalent diseases by developing both better treatments, and a better understanding of these conditions. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections, atherosclerosis, heart failure and heart-rhythm disorders. In addition, due to our co-location with the Royal Brompton and Harefield, and Hammersmith Hospitals, the NHLI is in the privileged position to be able to undertake vital research on rare and often neglected diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), paediatric lung diseases, congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension that have a major impact on many people's lives.

Find out more about the research centres, networks and other initiatives NHLI is involved with.