MRC scientists figure prominently among new AMS fellows
1 May 2007
The Academy of Medical Sciences has elected 40 new fellows from the United Kingdom’s leading doctors and medical researchers in recognition of their excellence in medical science. The majority of those elected have at some point in their careers been in receipt of MRC funding to further their research. Half of them are currently working in MRC centres or units or are MRC grant-holders.
Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences are elected for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical science, for innovative application of scientific knowledge and conspicuous service to healthcare.
Professor Sir Alan Fersht, director of the MRC Centre for Protein Engineering, Professor Pierluigi Nicotera, director of the MRC Toxicology Unit, Dr Richard (Tony) Crowther, group leader at the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Professor Neil Brockdorff, group leader at the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre are all among those working in MRC units and centres elected this year.
The list also reveals the high number of leading MRC-funded scientists outside MRC units and centres and the substantial role the organisation plays in supporting research aimed at improving health in all settings.
John Bell, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said "These Fellows enter the Academy at a time when health and medical science issues are high on the public and political agenda. The Medical Research Council (MRC), funds the highest quality research and I am delighted to see such a strong representation of MRC scientists in this year's fellows. The nurturing of excellence by the MRC plays a pivotal role in securing the future of medical science and the health benefits that society will enjoy in years to come."
Professor Colin Blakemore added: “The MRC has a long history of supporting outstanding scientists who have made huge contributions to human health. Sir Richard Doll, for his pioneering work linking smoking, and cancer and Dr Philip D’Arcy Hart, for his lifelong research into the testing of vaccines and treatments for tuberculosis, were former fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences. It is heartening to see so many MRC researchers succeeding them as fellows.”
List of new fellows in receipt of MRC funding:
Professor Robin Ali, Professor of Human Molecular Genetics, University College London.
Professor Brian Anderton, Professor of Neuroscience, King's College London.
Professor Neil Brockdorff, Group leader, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre.
Professor Alastair Buchan, Professor of Clinical Geratology, University of Oxford.
Professor Timothy Cole, Professor of Medical Statistics, University College London.
Professor Anne Cooke, Professor of Immunology, University of Cambridge.
Dr Tony Crowther, Group leader, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
Professor Ian Deary, Professor of Differential Psychology, University of Edinburgh.
Professor Jeremy Farrar, Director, University of Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Vietnam.
Professor Michael Ferguson, Professor of Molecular Parasitology, University of Dundee.
Professor Sir Alan Fersht, Director, MRC Centre for Protein Engineering, Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
Professor Elizabeth Fisher, Professor of Molecular Genetics, University College London.
Professor Philippe Froguel, Professor and Head of Section of Genomic Medicine, Imperial College London.
Professor Andrew Hall, Professor of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Professor William Harris, Professor of Anatomy & Department Head, University of Cambridge.
Professor Christine Holt, Professor of Developmental Neurosciences, University of Cambridge.
Professor Shon Lewis, Professor of Adult Psychiatry, University of Manchester.
Professor Neil Marlow, Professor of Neonatal Medicine, University of Nottingham.
Professor Stefan Neubauer, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford.
Professor Pierluigi Nicotera, Director, MRC Toxicology Unit.
Professor Pamela Shaw, Professor of Neurology, University of Sheffield
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