College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

College academics elected to prestigious fellowships

Professor Wendy Bickmore has been elected to the fellowship of the Royal Society whilst three colleagues have been elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Scientists.

Professor Wendy Bickmore

Professor Bickmore is one of four eminent Edinburgh scientists elected to a prestigious fellowship in recognition of their outstanding contributions to science.

They are among 50 distinguished scientists recently announced as new Fellows of the Royal Society.

The Fellowship is made up of the most eminent scientists, engineers and technologists from or living and working in the UK and the Commonwealth.

More than a quarter of this year’s intake of Fellows are women.

Professor Wendy Bickmore

Professor Bickmore’s work has identified key factors in gene regulation and revealed their function in development and disease. Her approach highlights how using a complete toolkit for modern biology helps answer fundamental questions in mammalian genome function.

‘Being elected as a fellow of the Royal Society is undoubtedly the pinnacle of my scientific career and having our work on the human genome endorsed by peers in this way feels very special. Though a personal honour, becoming an FRS is also a reflection of the great team of scientists I have had the pleasure to work with over many years, the mentors who have guided me along the way and the superb research environment provided by colleagues at the MRC Human Genetics Unit and the University of Edinburgh.’

Professor Wendy BickmoreDirector, Human Genetics Unit

The Academy of Medical Scientists

The Academy of Medical Scientists is the independent body in the UK representing the diversity of medical science.

Their aim is to advance biomedical and health research and its translation into benefits for society.

Fellows central to their work

Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences are drawn primarily from biomedical science and academic medicine and the Academy highlights these people as central to what they do.

The majority of candidates are selected for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of medical science, or for the application of existing scientific knowledge or understanding in an innovative way that brings about advances in human health and welfare.

Three Edinburgh scientists elected

Professors David Fitzpatrick, Brian Walker and Charles ffrench-Constant were selected to join the Fellowship based on their exceptional contributions to their fields.

Professor Charles ffrench-Constant

Professor Charles ffrench-Constant is Professor of Multiple Sclerosis Research and a consultant geneticist.

The main focus of his research group is on MS and he is also involved in collaborative research on spinal injury.

Professor Brian Walker

Professor Brian Walker is Dean of Research, Professor of Endocrinology and Head of the BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science.

Professor Walker uses a large variety of translational tools to research and document the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. He and colleagues aim to both reduce the risk and improve treatment for cardiovascular disease.

The Academy of Medical Sciences is highly influential in maintaining the UK’s global status as a leader in biomedicine, and so it is a privilege to be elected a Fellow and have the opportunity to contribute to its many activities.

Professor Brian Walker

Professor David Fitzpatrick

Professor David Fitzpatrick is Joint Section Head of Disease Mechanisms within the IGMM Human Genetics Unit.

I am amazed and honoured to be elected as a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. I have been extremely lucky to be involved in fantastic projects with inspiring mentors throughout my rather accidental academic career. In particular being a PI in the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the IGMM has allowed me as a clinician to work alongside and learn from the brilliant basic scientists who are my very patient colleagues. I owe a huge debt of thanks to the children and their families who have participated in our research over the last 20 years to understand the causes of developmental disorders and malformation.

Professor David Fitzpatrick

His research aims to understand how changes in our genomes cause disease by studying patients and families, as well as model organisms.

Related Links

The Academy of Medical Sciences

The Royal Society