Dr Joaquim Nunes Vieira

Joaquim leads a research group at King’s College London focused on epicardial–vascular–stromal signalling in cardiac development and regeneration.

His work uses preclinical and human models to study how the epicardium, the outer layer of the heart, coordinates with blood vessels and surrounding cells to guide heart formation and repair. By bridging developmental mechanisms with disease contexts, his research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for heart failure and congenital heart defects.

Joaquim is particularly interested in how genetic medicines can target specific cell types or signalling pathways to promote cardiac regeneration. His group investigates how epicardial and vascular cells respond to injury and inflammation, and how these responses might be modulated to support endogenous repair.

Joaquim is drawn to REACT’s mission because it brings together discovery science, translational innovation, and a collaborative research culture to accelerate regenerative therapies. He is especially interested in REACT’s focus on precision genetic approaches and their potential to reshape treatment for chronic heart disease. His work is supported by collaborations with clinical cardiologists at King’s College London and beyond, helping to advance REACT’s goal of developing targeted genetic therapies for cardiac repair.