Top researcher wins Fellowship honour

Professor Bill Hunter, Chair in Structural Biology in the College of Life Sciences, has been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

He is one of forty of the United Kingdom's leading doctors and medical researchers recognised for excellence in medical science with their election to the Academy.

Much of Professor Hunter's research is concerned with the parasites responsible for causing diseases such as African Sleeping Sickness and Chagas' Disease, which kill tens of thousands people every year and are a major factor in the medical, social and economic woes which bedevil so many developing countries.

"I am extremely honoured and delighted to be elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical sciences and to join such an eminent group," said Professor Hunter.

"I look forward to contributing to the aims of the Academy in advancing biomedical research towards the goal of improving healthcare. This award is recognition of the scientific excellence and commitment of my co-workers and colleagues here in Dundee, to whom I am greatly indebted, who have created the environment in which we can drive forward our research."

Academy Fellows are elected for outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical science, for innovative application of scientific knowledge and conspicuous service to healthcare.

Professor Sir John Bell, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said the newly elected Fellows were entering the Academy at a time when health and medical science was high on the public and political agenda.

"Our Fellows demonstrate the wealth of experience and diversity of talent amongst the UK's research community," he said. "Their excellence in medical research plays a pivotal role in determining the future of medical science and the benefits that society will enjoy in years to come."

The expertise of the new Fellows spans cancer research, developmental biology, stem cell therapy, neuroscience, biomedical engineering and international health.