Professor Steve Thornton FMedSci

Steve Thornton is the Vice Principal (Health) at Barts and the London, Queen Mary. He is an academic obstetrician who has a long track record of translating extensive basic science research to change clinical practice. His basic science work focussed on myometrial contractility and the neurohypophyseal hormones. He provided scientific justification for oxytocin antagonists in preterm labour (biggest single cause of death and long-term handicap in newborns).

He was instrumental in developing and obtaining funding for the MRC trial of progesterone prophylaxis which demonstrated, contrary to previous practice, that progesterone does not prevent preterm labour in the majority of women. This has resulted in many pregnant women avoiding progesterone.