6 May 2008

New Fellows elected to Academy of Medical Sciences

Professor Bill Hunter of the University of Dundee has been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Professor Hunter, Chair in Structural Biology in the College of Life Sciences at Dundee, 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 which cause 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 honored 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, ‘These Fellows enter the Academy at a time when health and medical science issues are high on the public and political agenda. Our Fellows demonstrate the wealth of experience and diversity of talent amongst the UK’s research community. 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.

NOTES TO EDITORS
The independent Academy of Medical Sciences promotes advances in medical science and campaigns to ensure these are translated into benefits for patients. The Academy’s nine hundred Fellows are the United Kingdom’s leading medical scientists from hospitals, academia, industry and the public service.

Further details may be obtained from The Academy of Medical Sciences: website: http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk.

This year Fellows were chosen from 363 candidates. The seven Sectional Committees met in March to consider potential Fellows for 2007 entry to the Academy. Three nominators from within the Fellowship must back each candidate. The Academy Registrar Professor Patrick Maxwell, Professor of Medicine, University College London, oversees the election.

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