Experts of University of Birmingham elected to Academy of Medical Sciences

Professor Robin May and Professor Liam Grover are among 59 influential biomedical and health scientists recognised by the Academy for their contributions to the advancement of biomedical and health science, cutting edge research discoveries and translating developments into benefits for patients and wider society.

Professor May, holds a Chair in Infectious Disease in the School of Biosciences and the Institute of Microbiology and Infection. He is an expert in human infectious diseases with a particular focus on how pathogens survive and replicate within host organisms.

He said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be joining the Academy, which has played such a critical role in the medical research community for quarter of a century. Science is always a collaborative effort, and this fellowship is testament to the many brilliant and dedicated researchers with whom I have been lucky enough to work over many years.”

Professor Grover, who holds a Chair in Biomaterials Science and Director of the Healthcare Technologies Institute, focuses on designing materials that enhance the tissue regeneration process. He said: “I am extremely honoured to be made a fellow of the academy. I would like to dedicate this to the fabulous people that I have worked with at the University of Birmingham over the last fifteen years. Together we have managed to progress excellent science and make the university a recognised force in innovation in the development of medical technologies.”

The election of both Robin and Liam to the Academy of Medical Sciences this year recognises the outstanding quality, depth and breadth of the medical research carried out at the University of Birmingham.

Professor Hugh Addlington, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer)
Welcoming the new elections Professor Hugh Adlington, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer)said: “This is a great and well-deserved honour that reflects the tremendous contributions that Robin and Liam have made, respectively, to research on human infectious diseases and to research on the development of materials for the regeneration of diseased and damaged tissues. That election of both Robin and Liam this year recognises the outstanding quality, depth and breadth of the medical research carried out at the University of Birmingham.”

Fellows are selected from institutions across the UK, and they join a Fellowship of 1,400 esteemed researchers who are central to the Academy’s work.

Professor Dame Anne Johnson PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said: “These new Fellows are pioneering biomedical research and driving life-saving improvements in healthcare, from understanding the spread of infectious diseases to developing mental health interventions. It’s a pleasure to recognise and celebrate their exceptional talent by welcoming them to the Fellowship.

“This year, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary. The Fellowship is our greatest asset, and their broad expertise and dynamic ability has shaped the Academy to become the influential, expert voice of health. As we look to the future, the collective wisdom our new Fellows bring will be pivotal in achieving our mission to create an open and progressive research sector to improve the health of people everywhere.”