
Dr Steven Walker
PhD, MbChB, BSc
Expertise
Internationally recognised expert in pleural disease and pneumothorax, with a focus on patient-centred clinical research, innovative trial design, and guideline development.
Current positions
Associate Professor in Respiratory Medicine
Bristol Medical School (THS)
Contact
Press and media
Many of our academics speak to the media as experts in their field of research. If you are a journalist, please contact the University’s Media and PR Team:
Biography
Associate Professor in Respiratory Medicine with over a decade of experience delivering innovative, patient-focused research. Completed a PhD in 2019, followed by an NIHR Academic Clinical Lectureship, and awarded a prestigious NIHR Advanced Fellowship in 2024.
Has authored over 50 publications in leading journals (including NEJM, JAMA, Lancet Respiratory Medicine, and European Respiratory Journal), with work influencing British Thoracic Society (BTS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines. Co-chaired the 2024 ERS international guideline on spontaneous pneumothorax and currently co-chairs the ERS guideline on non-spontaneous pneumothorax.
Holds national and international leadership roles, including co-chair of an ERS Clinical Research Collaborative with over 200 members across 50 countries, and academic advisor to the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians’ Respiratory Specialty Advisory Committee. Has secured ~£8 million in research funding and leads major NIHR-funded studies, including as Co-Chief Investigator.
Actively involved in supervision and mentorship of doctoral fellows and trainees, and contributes to shaping respiratory training and research strategy nationally.
Has authored over 50 publications in leading journals (including NEJM, JAMA, Lancet Respiratory Medicine, and European Respiratory Journal), with work influencing British Thoracic Society (BTS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines. Co-chaired the 2024 ERS international guideline on spontaneous pneumothorax and currently co-chairs the ERS guideline on non-spontaneous pneumothorax.
Holds national and international leadership roles, including co-chair of an ERS Clinical Research Collaborative with over 200 members across 50 countries, and academic advisor to the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians’ Respiratory Specialty Advisory Committee. Has secured ~£8 million in research funding and leads major NIHR-funded studies, including as Co-Chief Investigator.
Actively involved in supervision and mentorship of doctoral fellows and trainees, and contributes to shaping respiratory training and research strategy nationally.
Research interests
- Pleural disease and pneumothorax (including spontaneous and secondary forms)
- Patient-centred clinical trials and innovative trial design
- Persistent air leak and novel therapeutic strategies
- Development and implementation of international clinical guidelines
- Multicentre and global collaborative research networks
- Integration of digital health, artificial intelligence, and engineering approaches in respiratory medicine
- Improving patient outcomes through translational and cross-disciplinary research
Publications
Recent publications
02/11/2025P184 Readmissions and mortality following index hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia: a population-based analysis using HES data
A prospective national cohort study of patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax assessing the impact of frailty at diagnosis on mortality and admission to hospital
ERJ Open Research
Characteristics and predictors of clinical outcome in patients with pleural effusions caused by heart, liver and renal failure
ERJ Open Research
Future of academic respiratory medicine
Thorax
'It runs in the family'
Thorax
Thesis
Understanding the clinical course and progression of non-malignant pleural disease
Supervisors
Award date
12/05/2020
Teaching
I am actively engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in respiratory medicine, with a strong emphasis on integrating clinical practice with research-informed learning. My teaching focuses on pleural disease, pneumothorax, and evidence-based respiratory medicine, alongside developing trainees’ understanding of clinical research methodology.
I supervise doctoral fellows across respiratory medicine and computer science, reflecting my commitment to interdisciplinary training. I also support academic development through formal roles in doctoral supervision, annual progress review, and completion of postgraduate research supervisor and examiner training.
Nationally, I contribute to respiratory training as Academic Advisor to the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians’ Respiratory Specialty Advisory Committee, helping to shape the curriculum and promote research opportunities for trainees. I have also led and coordinated trainee involvement in large-scale multicentre studies, including supervising over 20 trainees and allied health professionals through national research collaboratives.
My teaching approach prioritises mentorship, research engagement, and developing the next generation of clinician-scientists, with a focus on fostering critical thinking and collaborative skills in both clinical and academic settings.
I supervise doctoral fellows across respiratory medicine and computer science, reflecting my commitment to interdisciplinary training. I also support academic development through formal roles in doctoral supervision, annual progress review, and completion of postgraduate research supervisor and examiner training.
Nationally, I contribute to respiratory training as Academic Advisor to the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians’ Respiratory Specialty Advisory Committee, helping to shape the curriculum and promote research opportunities for trainees. I have also led and coordinated trainee involvement in large-scale multicentre studies, including supervising over 20 trainees and allied health professionals through national research collaboratives.
My teaching approach prioritises mentorship, research engagement, and developing the next generation of clinician-scientists, with a focus on fostering critical thinking and collaborative skills in both clinical and academic settings.



