Research news
Two genetics experts elected to Academy of Medical Sciences
Posted on behalf of: Genome Damage and Stability Centre
Last updated: Thursday, 10 May 2012
Prof Keith Caldecott
Professor Penny Jeggo
Two academics from Sussex’s Genome Damage and Stability Centre (GDSC) have been recognised for excellence in medical science by being elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Keith Caldecott, Professor of Biochemistry and an expert in DNA strand break repair, and Penny Jeggo, honorary Professor and an expert in DNA double strand break repair, are among 46 new Fellows who have been selected by a rigorous process of peer review.
Academy Fellows are elected for outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical science, for innovative application of scientific knowledge or for their conspicuous service to healthcare.
The expertise of the new Fellows spans neurosurgery, anticancer drug development, reproductive sciences, medical genetics and R&D leadership.
Professor Sir John Tooke, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said: “These new Fellows represent the wealth of talent within the UK biomedical community.
“Excellent medical science and medical scientists are key to breakthroughs in preventing and treating ill health.
“I am delighted that the Academy can recognise these new Fellows for the work they have done in the generation of cutting edge science and its translation into health benefits for society.”
One third (15) of the new Fellows are women, which is a significant increase on the number elected in previous years and more than double the percentage of female professors in the biosciences.
Sir John stated: “I am thrilled to see such a strong representation of women among this year’s Fellows. Their research has contributed greatly to increasing our knowledge of medicine and the provision of healthcare.”