Stroke expert celebrated for ‘game-changing’ ideas

Prof Grunwald demonstrating some of her innovative work

A University of Dundee academic has been hailed as one of the UK’s most innovative women as politicians, funders, industry representatives, NHS partners and other key stakeholders gathered to celebrate her achievements.

Professor Iris Grunwald, Chair of Neuroradiology at the University’s School of Medicine, welcomed the delegation to Wilson House, in the grounds of Ninewells Hospital, for the unveiling of a purple plague recognising the Women in Innovation Award she received from Innovate UK.

Professor Grunwald is a pioneering neuroscientist, and her remarkable contributions include developing the first AI solution for image interpretation in acute stroke and bringing the first Mobile Stroke Unit ambulance to the UK. She was the first to develop the concept of mechanical thrombectomy and to successfully train cardiologists and other medical specialists in the procedure.

Winners of the Women in Innovation Award are rewarded for developing novel solutions to major social, environmental and economic challenges. Each winner benefits from a £50,000 grant, bespoke business coaching, and a suite of networking and training opportunities.

Professor Grunwald said: “Innovation in healthcare is not just about advancing technology — it’s about making a real difference in patients’ lives.

“By expanding access to mechanical thrombectomy, introducing AI-driven imaging solutions, and pioneering new approaches like Mobile Stroke Unit ambulances and Photon-Counting CT, we are transforming the way stroke and neurocritical care patients are diagnosed and treated.

“I am honoured to receive this recognition, but even more excited about the future collaborations and breakthroughs that will continue to improve outcomes for thousands worldwide.”

Distinguished guests congregated at Wilson House, home to TayMed Connect, a medical technology initiative designed to innovate and co-create solutions to real-world healthcare problems.

Prior to the ceremony, Professor Grunwald’s innovation achievements, which have significantly improved healthcare delivery while driving economic growth, were showcased.

Away from her academic work, Professor Grunwald co-founded the companies Brainomix and Nvention Ltd.

The former developed the first AI solution for acute stroke image interpretation while the latter is working to introduce an electronic device monitoring flow of liquids and gasses with the potential for application in many sectors by detecting leaks, blockages and contamination.

She and her team are currently leading the evaluation of the world’s first mobile Photon Counting Detector (PCD) scanner, the Samsung Neurologica Omnitom Elite PCD, establishing the new standard of care.

Innovate UK is the UK's national innovation agency and acts to support business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies and UK regions.

The award was created to improve the recognition of women innovators after a review estimated that £250 billion of new value could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men.

Janet Geddes, Deputy Director (Global) at Innovate UK, unveiled the plaque at Wilson House. She said: “I would like to congratulate Iris on her achievements as a Women in Innovation awardee. She is a worthy winner and is carrying out incredible work here in Dundee.

“Under this project, we have awarded nearly £14 million to 250 remarkable women, and Iris most certainly fits this description. Women only feature on 14 per cent of blue plaques so we decided to mark the achievements of women in innovation with a purple plaque and these can now be found at schools, colleges and universities.”

Dr David McBeth, Vice-Principal (Enterprise and Economic Transformation) at the University, added: “We are delighted to see this recognition for Iris – her achievements are a fantastic example of the positive impacts for ordinary people that are created by high quality and highly innovative research in our Schools. And Iris’s success in forming new companies over the years should be a beacon for women would-be entrepreneurs in our universities.

“It was particularly fitting that Iris received her award in Wilson House, which opened formally in 2024 after being completely refurbished with support from the Scottish Government via the Tay Cities Regional Deal.

“Wilson House is now a thriving centre for medical technologies and innovations where University researchers, NHS Tayside clinicians and staff from companies collaborate.

“In time, these collaborations will create new products and services that in turn will create high-value jobs in our region, and – most importantly of all – better health outcomes for people worldwide.”