His major clinical and research interests are in health technology assessment and the delivery of efficient and effective care for patients with heart failure, with a particular focus on new technologies: diagnostics, drugs or devices.

As well as writing chapters for medical textbooks, including sections on heart failure for the Oxford Textbook of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, and Essential Cardiology, Professor Cowie has published widely in cardiovascular medical journals (please see publication list). He is also frequently interviewed in the national media regarding heart issues, and particularly enjoys talking to the public about heart matters, working alongside the Wellcome Collection, the Cambridge Science Festival and other educational bodies.