Dr James McLaughlan

I am motivated to apply for the physicist position because of my passion for advancing the science and practice of medical ultrasound and contributing to a professional body that represents the breadth of this multidisciplinary community. BMUS plays a vital role in setting standards, supporting education, and fostering innovation, and I would value the opportunity to contribute to this work. As a research-active academic with a strong interest in diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound, I am eager to support the development of mid- to long-term strategies that will ensure BMUS remains financially secure and relevant in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.
I am particularly interested in contributing to the creation of educational resources and safety guidelines for therapeutic ultrasound and AI tools. I would also welcome the opportunity to support the Annual Scientific Meeting (which I have contributed to in the past) and other BMUS events, as these provide a unique platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and professional growth. Ultimately, my motivation stems from a commitment to promoting BMUS as the leading national body for medical ultrasound and ensuring that our collective expertise continues to benefit practitioners, patients, and researchers.

With over 15 years of experience in the research and development of ultrasound and associated technologies (including beamforming, machine learning, photoacoustics, and microbubbles), I would bring a strong combination of technical, educational, and organisational expertise to this role. As an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, I work across the Faculties of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS) and Medicine and Health (FMH), which gives me a perspective spanning laboratory development through to clinical practice.
I also collaborate closely with colleagues from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, including medical physicists, radiologists, and radiographers, which provides insight into the diverse needs of BMUS members. My experience includes committee work (e.g. the IPEM AI Working Group) and collaborative projects, where I have contributed to decision-making, document review, and initiatives to improve service delivery. I am comfortable with governance responsibilities and recognise the importance of balancing innovation with accountability and sustainability.
In addition, I have a strong background in education and training, having supported students and colleagues through teaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback. This aligns closely with BMUS’s commitment to professional development. My research and quality improvement work, particularly reviewing and disseminating evidence, would support BMUS activities such as guideline development and publication. Finally, I bring skills in organisation and communication, demonstrated through my contributions to professional events, workshops, and cross-disciplinary initiatives.

At the University of Leeds, I contribute to teaching on ultrasound imaging within the Medical Imaging MSc, which attracts both undergraduate and postgraduate students. I also deliver lectures on the physics of ultrasound as part of our Postgraduate Certificate in Echocardiography.
Beyond teaching, I have been an active member of the International Photoacoustic Standardisation Consortium (IPACS) for the past two years, where I hold a leadership role focused on advancing the clinical adoption of photoacoustic imaging, a complementary modality to traditional ultrasound. I am particularly interested in integrating this technology with established ultrasound systems to broaden clinical applications.
I also lead an active research programme on therapeutic microbubbles, which informs my strong interest in the regulation and clinical use of contrast agents. This work not only supports my academic research but also deepens my perspective on issues highly relevant to BMUS members and the wider ultrasound community.