Anna Dominiczak, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Glasgow, has been named Scotswoman of the Year by readers of the Evening Times newspaper.

She was nominated for her determination to change Scotland's reputation as the heart disease capital of Europe and for the part she played in bringing the £12million British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre to the University of Glasgow.

A delighted Professor Dominiczak, OBE, said: "To win this award is absolutely fantastic. I would like to thank all of the people who voted for me and the other finalists.

"I have spent decades fighting for the health of the nation, and this award will give me the inspiration to continue that work and improve the well-being of what is now my home country."

The prestigious Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year awards are in their 44th year.

Born in Gdasnk, Poland, Professor Dominiczak came to Scotland in 1982, four years after graduating.

She is now British Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine and is a Director of the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre at the University of Glasgow.

She heads the British Heart Foundation Blood Pressure Group at the University and is also a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at the Western Infirmary and Associate Dean for Research at the Faculty of Medicine.

But it was for her work in improving the health of the nation that saw her crowned Scotswoman of the Year.

Speaking after the ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers, Professor Dominiczak said: "The BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre has a national and international impact upon areas of health and welfare that affect the entire community, bringing direct benefits in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

"The scientists and clinicians working here provide the west of Scotland with a base committed to targeting and combating the many problems associated with heart disease."

Sir Muir Russell, University of Glasgow Principal, said: "On behalf of the University, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Anna.

"This award is in recognition of her ability to combine outstanding research with her dedication to practical medical work.

"Anna played a key role in bringing the British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre to the University, a centre that will make a huge contribution to our future understanding of heart disease.

"It is only fitting, therefore, that a woman who has made such a difference to the health of the people of Scotland should be named Scotswoman of the Year. The University is immensely proud of her and her achievements."

Ray McHugh (r.mchugh@admin.gla.ac.uk)

For more information and photographs, or to speak to Professor Dominiczak, contact the Glasgow University Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3535 or email r.mchugh@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 24 October 2006