Professor Mark Richard Johnson
MBBS, MRCP, PhD, MRCOG
GMC: 2611572
Professor of Clinical Obstetrics at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Imperial College School of Medicine. Founder of Borne charity and leading researcher in preterm labour, cardiac disease in pregnancy, and maternal nutrition.
Education & Qualifications
Education
- ▸Pocklington School
- ▸St George’s Hospital Medical School
Medical Qualifications
- ▸MBBS - Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
- ▸MRCP - Member of the Royal College of Physicians
- ▸PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
- ▸MRCOG - Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Specialist Accreditations
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
December 1998Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists specialist accreditation
Diabetes Mellitus
May 1994Specialist accreditation in diabetes management
General Medicine and Endocrinology
May 1992Foundation specialist training in internal medicine
Current Appointment & Research Focus
Professor of Clinical Obstetrics
2010 to present
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Imperial College School of Medicine, London SW10 9NH
Professor Johnson’s research encompasses three primary areas that address some of the most critical challenges in maternal and fetal medicine: preterm labour prevention, nutritional optimization during pregnancy, and the management of cardiac disease in pregnant women.
His founding of Borne in 2013 represents a paradigm shift in preterm birth research, moving from siloed approaches to collaborative global initiatives. The charity now operates internationally with branches in Australia and the USA, coordinating research across multiple continents to understand regional variations in preterm birth mechanisms.
As Director of Research and Development at Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust since 2018, Professor Johnson is establishing a Research Centre for Trans-Generational Health, recognizing that maternal health impacts extend far beyond pregnancy to influence the health of future generations.
Professional Memberships
- ▸Society for Endocrinology
- ▸The Society of Medicine of London
- ▸The Society for Reproductive Investigation
- ▸Perinatal Research Society
Key Statistics
Research Areas
Preterm Labour
Leading global research initiative through Borne charity to understand mechanisms of preterm birth and develop effective prevention strategies.
Key Research Highlights:
- ▸Founded Borne charity in 2013 with global expansion to Australia and USA
- ▸Borne Uterine Mapping Project (BUMP) using cutting-edge molecular approaches
- ▸Big BUMP project for global understanding of preterm labour mechanisms
- ▸cAMP pathway research for novel therapeutic targets
- ▸Phosphodiesterase inhibitor trials (ProgrAm and Thimbel studies)
- ▸Global network of research centres in high preterm birth rate regions
- ▸Collaborations with Rachel Tribe (KCL), Suhas Kallapur (UCLA), Sam Mesiano (Case Western), Meredith Kelleher (OHSU), Roger Smith (Newcastle University), George Baillie (Glasgow University), Les Myatt (OHSU)
Nutrition in Pregnancy
Investigating the role of DHA and fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy outcomes across UK cohorts with expansion to India soon, with potential to inform global food policies.
Key Research Highlights:
- ▸DHA supplementation trials in the UK with India expansion planned
- ▸Discovery that oleic acid levels predict preterm birth with ROC >0.9
- ▸Research on fetal brain growth and maternal mental health impacts
- ▸Collaborations with Professor Michael Crawford (Imperial College) and Professor Manahel Thabet (KACST)
Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy
Leading expert in managing pregnant women with heart disease, contributing to international guidelines and registries.
Key Research Highlights:
- ▸Largest UK cohort of pregnant women with heart disease (Chelsea & Westminster/Royal Brompton)
- ▸ESC Pregnancy and Heart Disease Guideline Committee member (2018)
- ▸ROPAC and PPCM registry steering committee member
- ▸Collaboration with Prof Michael Gatzoulis and Prof Jolien Roos-Hesselink
- ▸Research on haemodynamic changes in women with heart disease during labour
Career Timeline
Professor of Clinical Obstetrics
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Imperial College School of Medicine
Leading clinical practice and research in preterm labour, nutrition in pregnancy, and cardiac disease in pregnancy.
Imperial College Campus Dean
Imperial College London
Academic leadership role overseeing campus operations and strategic development.
Director of Research and Development
Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust
Establishing Research Centre for Trans-Generational Health, developing academic departments across multiple specialties.
Founder of Borne
Medical Research Charity
Founded leading charity dedicated to understanding pregnancy and preventing preterm birth, with global expansion to Australia and USA.
MRCOG Accreditation
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Specialist accreditation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology following comprehensive training and examination.
Diabetes Mellitus Accreditation
Royal College of Physicians
Specialist accreditation in diabetes management, enhancing expertise in metabolic complications during pregnancy.
General Medicine and Endocrinology Accreditation
Royal College of Physicians
Foundation specialist training in internal medicine and endocrinology.
Positions of Responsibility
Director of Research and Development, Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust (2018)
Imperial College Campus Dean (2022)
Founder of Borne (2013)
Action Medical Research Advisory Board Member (2015)
PREBIC European Lead (2017)
European Standards of Care for Newborn Health Contributor (2017)
ESC Guideline Committee Member for Pregnancy and Heart Disease (2017)
Joint Research Charity Advisory Board Member (2015)
Westminster Medical School Research Trust Trustee (2014)
RCOG Preterm Labour CSG Chair (2014-2018)
Academic Recognition & Leadership
ESC Guidelines Committee Member
European Society of Cardiology - Pregnancy and Heart Disease Guidelines
2018
PREBIC European Lead
Preterm Birth International Collaborative
2017
European Standards of Care Contributor
European Standards of Care for Newborn Health
2017
Advisory Board Member
Action Medical Research
2015
Chair of RCOG Preterm Labour CSG
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2014-2018
ROPAC & PPCM Registry Steering Committee
European Society of Cardiology Registries
Ongoing
Research Collaboration & Professional Consultation
Professor Johnson welcomes collaboration opportunities in preterm labour research, cardiac disease in pregnancy, and maternal nutrition studies. His global network through Borne provides unique opportunities for international research partnerships.