Three Oxford BRC-supported researchers are among eight University of Oxford scientists elected to join the prestigious Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) this year.
The BRC researchers among the new Fellows are:
- Professor Helen McShane, Professor of Vaccinology in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, Deputy Director of the Medical Sciences Division and Director of the Oxford BRC
- Professor Alison Simmons, Professor of Gastroenterology, MRC Human Immunology Unit
- Professor Ann (Sarah) Walker, Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Nuffield Department of Medicine
The new Fellows have been selected for their outstanding contributions to advancing medical science, cutting-edge research discoveries and translating developments into benefits for patients and wider society.
Many of the new Fellows have also made a contribution to medical science through outstanding leadership, public engagement and supporting the career advancement of junior trainees.
Professor McShane, a leading immunologist, is known for her work in the search for new vaccines for tuberculosis, including studying the delivery of a TB vaccine using an aerosol.
Professor Simmons has been recognised for her work on innate immunity to develop innovative treatments and diagnostic tools for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recent work redefined the cellular map of the intestine, discovering unexpected heterogeneity and hitherto unknown cell types.
Professor Walker’s work includes the design and analysis of studies investigating the epidemiology and management of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, mainly as part of the ‘Modernising Medical Microbiology’ Consortium. She has also made substantial contributions to a programme of studies designed to move whole genome pathogen sequencing into routine clinical practice.
Professor Sir Robert Lechler, President of the AMS, said: “The Academy’s Fellowship is a unique assembly of the finest minds in biomedical and health research, from across the UK and beyond. Our Fellows are at the centre of all that we do, from supporting early career researchers via our hugely popular mentorship programme to incorporating public and patient views into health research. Their collective wisdom is a national asset to guide research and policy aimed at tackling pressing health challenges.
“It brings me great pleasure to congratulate the new Fellows, each of whom has pushed the boundaries of their individual research field. I am always delighted to see the Fellowship expand, adding fresh talent to our invaluable pool of high quality guidance, advice and expertise.”
The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on 26 June 2019.