Matt Bonam appointed as Executive Director at the BHF Data Science Centre

Following the successful renewal of the Centre’s funding for five more years, we are delighted to welcome our new Executive Director Matt Bonam, who will lead the Centre into its next phase.

Matt joins the team from Evinova, AstraZeneca’s cutting-edge Digital Health company, where he served as Head of Digital and AI Strategy.  

Matt has dedicated 25 years to AstraZeneca, spending the last twelve of those years laser-focused on digital health and the transformative power of real-world patient data in clinical development. During this time, he has been a driving force behind some truly groundbreaking work – including the design and delivery of multiple landmark clinical trials powered by digital innovation and data. Among his proudest achievements is leading the first-ever cardiovascular registration trial to use data collected entirely in registries – a milestone that has helped redefine what is possible in clinical research. 

Matt said:

“I’m excited to be joining the BHF Data Science Centre and Health Data Research UK. I believe passionately in the power of data and collaboration to transform healthcare outcomes, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves, connect with the brilliant people in this team, and get to work making a difference together.” 

Matt is committed to making a real difference in patients’ lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked hand-in-hand with Health Data Research UK, championing the use of secure data environments to accelerate vaccine and treatment studies. He was also a member of the Advisory Group for the Data and Connectivity National Core Study.  

Beyond his industry work, Matt serves as a Non-Executive Director of Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, where he champions population health, research, and innovation. 

Professor Bryan Williams OBE, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Matt Bonam as the new Executive Director of the British Heart Foundation Data Science Centre. With decades of experience working with large scale data sets within the pharmaceutical industry, Matt’s unique perspective and experience will invigorate and strengthen the Centre’s future direction, as we seek to harness the power of data science to drive the next breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease prevention, treatment and care.” 

Professor Steffen Petersen, Interim Director at the BHF Data Science Centre, said:

“I am happy to pass on the Centre’s leadership to Matt, given his vast experience in health data infrastructure and service development, which will be invaluable at this phase of the Centre. I am proud of what the Centre has achieved and am confident it will remain a flagship asset in an ever-evolving health data landscape.” 

Dr Lynn Morrice, Chief Operating Officer at the BHF Data Science Centre, said:

“The team at the BHF Data Science Centre thanks Steffen for his leadership over the past two years. Now we offer Matt our congratulations, and we are thrilled to be to working together in this exciting new chapter for the Centre.”