Three professors from the University of Birmingham have been named amongst the UK’s most prominent biomedical and health scientists by the Academy of Medical Sciences which has today (Wednesday 13 May) announced its prestigious list of newly elected Fellows.
Christine MacArthur, Professor of Maternal and Child Epidemiology, Charles Craddock CBE, Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit and Professor of Haemato-oncology, and Professor Subrata Ghosh, Director of the Institute of Translational Medicine were announced in a list of 50 new Fellows, representing the UK’s leading medical scientists from academia, healthcare, industry and the public service.
The Academy’s newest Fellows have been chosen for their exceptional contributions to advancing biomedical science via world-leading research discoveries, scientific communication and engagement programmes and translating scientific advances into benefits for patients and the public. They are also the only three academics from Midlands based Universities elected this year. They will be formally admitted to the Academy on 25 June 2020.
Speaking of her election, Professor Christine MacArthur said: “I am very pleased to receive this award and particularly delighted for the recognition it gives to research on maternal health and the problems that women can experience after childbirth. I have no doubt that this award also recognises the collaboration and support of the many colleagues that I have worked with in my time at University of Birmingham.”
Professor Subrata Ghosh said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Science. I appreciate the research platform that has been very productive at University of Birmingham and the impact it had on the lives of patients suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I must thank our wonderful research team at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and our study nurses who contribute significantly to all I do.”
Professor Charles Craddock CBE added: “It’s a huge honour and privilege to have been elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences. As a coalface blood cancer clinician and active clinical triallist I am greatly looking forward to contributing to the vital work of the Academy translating medical research into patient benefit. As an adopted Brummie I am also to advocate the strengths- and huge attendant opportunities- of the Regional Life Sciences sector in Birmingham and the Midlands”
Professor David Adams, Head of the College of Medical and Dental Sciences said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that three of our most distinguished academics have been elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences this year. Election to the Academy is highly competitive with only 50 new fellows elected this year from across the UK so to have 3 fellows elected from Birmingham is a tremendous accolade for the University as well as being a great personal achievement.”
Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said: “I am delighted to welcome these 50 new Fellows into the Academy’s Fellowship. Each one has made their own outstanding contribution to biomedical science and together they are advancing the health of our society in the UK and internationally. Their work affects us all, from the way we keep healthy through our lifestyle, to how we are treated if we become ill, to the way we receive information about health.
“This year our new Fellows announcement happens amidst a global health crisis. Some will face the challenge of how to continue to lead on some of the most pressing health challenges our society faces beyond coronavirus, such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer. Others have joined the global research effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, whether that be through working out how to treat those with the virus, joining efforts to develop a vaccine, or looking to limit the impact of the pandemic more broadly on our physical and mental health.
“Never has there been a more important time to recognise and celebrate the people behind ground-breaking biomedical and health research, working harder than ever to further knowledge and protect patients and the public.
“It brings me great pleasure to congratulate the new Fellows, and see our Fellowship grow to even greater heights of evidence-based advice, leadership and expertise.”
For more information please contact Sophie Belcher, Communications Manager, University of Birmingham, on +44 (0)7815607157. Alternatively, contact the Press Office out of hours on +44 (0)7789 921165.