The Academy of Medical Sciences has elected five researchers from the University of Oxford as new Fellows. This recognition is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to biomedical and health science, advanced research discoveries, and translated developments into societal benefits.
The Oxford Fellows are among 54 new members announced this year. They will be formally inducted at a ceremony scheduled for July 9, 2025.
Professor Charalambos Antoniades, the British Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, is one of the newly elected Fellows. He serves as Director of the Acute Multidisciplinary Imaging and Interventional Centre (AMIIC) at the Radcliffe Department of Medicine and is Deputy Head of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. His research focuses on how adipose tissue in humans affects vascular and myocardial redox states in atherosclerosis.
Professor Simon Draper, Professor of Vaccinology and Translational Medicine at the Department of Paediatrics and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, was also elected. Draper specializes in developing blood-stage malaria vaccines. "I am delighted to have been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences," he said, crediting his research team for their work against malaria.
Professor Matt Higgins, EP Abraham Chair of Structural Biology at Oxford's Department of Biochemistry, leads a team studying host-parasite interactions to design improved immunotherapeutics. His work focuses on understanding molecular interactions in diseases like malaria and sleeping sickness.
Dame Molly Stevens was elected for her contributions as John Black Professor of Bionanoscience at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics. She emphasized her team's role in advancing biosensing technologies and regenerative medicine: "A big focus of our work is making sure that innovation in diagnostics and therapeutics leads to more equitable access to healthcare."
Lastly, Professor Naomi Wray was recognized for her work as Michael Davys Chair of Neuroscience (Psychiatric Genomics) at Oxford's Department of Psychiatry. Her research applies quantitative genetics methodologies to psychiatric-related traits. Wray stated she hopes to be a role model for women in science: "I worked part-time for many years and so hope to be a role model for other women in science."
Andrew Morris, President of the Academy, welcomed all new Fellows: "It is a privilege to welcome these 54 exceptional scientists to our Fellowship... Their election comes at a crucial time when scientific excellence and collaboration across disciplines are essential."