Prof. Peter Wells

Prof. Peter Wells is one of the leading researchers in the field of medical ultrasound imaging. Even while working as an MSc student he made his first contribution to ultrasound by developing equipment that would provide a stable source of ultrasound for irradiating the semi-circular canals in patients with Meniere's disease.
In 1969 he was one of three authors to demonstrate the feasibility of pulsed Doppler and became the first person to describe the directivities of Doppler transducers. He developed techniques for the measurement of blood flow volume rate, the quantitation of Doppler blood flow signals and he was responsible for the discovery of the ultrasonic Doppler signal due to malignant tumour neovascularisation.
He developed an intravascular probe and placed the dosimetry on a sound scientific foundation. Other work has included the development of one of the first articulated arm static scanners, a water-immersion automated breast scanner, a time position recording system for echocardiography, bioeffects and tissue characterisation studies, dynamic focusing with an annular array, acoustic speckle and, most recently, the development of ultrasonic biomedical microimaging techniques.
His deep understanding of both therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound has enabled him to argue for the prudent use of ultrasound, of particular importance in obstetrics and gynaecology. Of great significance was his recognition of the 100 mW/cm2 SPTA level below which a harmful effect had not been recognised.
His immense contribution has been recognised by the honorary memberships and fellowships conferred upon him. Professor Wells has been President of the British Medical Ultrasound Society, the British Institute of Radiology, and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and of the Royal Society of London. He has contributed to more than 15 books and 250 scientific articles.