Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) is pleased to announce the launch of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium UK (ROC-UK). A new national initiative designed to strengthen research collaboration, accelerate innovation, and improve survival and recovery for people who experience a cardiac arrest.
As part of this major strategic development, RCUK has appointed Keith Couper as the first Director of ROC-UK. Keith is a Professor in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Warwick, based within the Emergency, Prehospital, Perioperative and Critical Care (EPPiC) research group, at Warwick Clinical Trials Unit. He also works clinically as a critical care outreach nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Keith’s research focuses on the care of critically ill patients, with a particular emphasis on cardiac arrest. He holds a number of international volunteer roles, including with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, the European Resuscitation Council and Resuscitation Council UK. His extensive academic and clinical experience reflects a long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for people experiencing cardiac arrest.
In this role, Keith will lead the creation of a vibrant, multi-professional research community, bringing together experts from across the UK to generate impactful, practice-changing evidence.
ROC-UK will support early-career researchers, foster high-value partnerships with academia, industry and funders, and champion increased investment into cardiac arrest science. The programme will deliver national meetings, workshops and funding opportunities to advance high-quality, innovative research.
Keith Couper, Director of Research Outcomes Consortium UK (ROC-UK) at RCUK said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the inaugural director of Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium UK. I am a Professor in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Warwick, and have been heavily involved in resuscitation research for over 10-years. Through ROC-UK, I look forward to working with our community to accelerate the growth of UK resuscitation research, support the development of the next generation of resuscitation researchers, and ultimately save more lives through resuscitation.”
Professor Gavin Perkins MBE, President of RCUK, said: “We are pleased to appoint Keith to lead this important work. His experience, vision and commitment to improving cardiac arrest survival rates will help us build the next generation of resuscitation researchers, and ensure that evidence leads to real-world impact.”