Congratulations to Professor Paul Riley, who is one of over 90 outstanding researchers from across the world who have this year been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. This year’s cohort includes pioneers and leaders across a range of scientific fields, from astronomy and cancer research to mathematics and biotechnology.
Election to the Fellowship is one of the highest honours in the scientific world, awarded to individuals who have made impactful contributions to knowledge. New Fellows join the ranks of Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Lise Meitner, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Dorothy Hodgkin.
DPAG'S Professor Paul Riley FMedSci, is British Heart Foundation Professor of Regenerative Medicine, Chair of Development and Cell Biology, Director of the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine, and Professorial Fellow in Medicine at Jesus College.
He said, ‘I am truly delighted and honoured to be joining the Fellowship. This is the result of team science and I'm deeply indebted to my very talented group members, past and present, esteemed colleagues and collaborators who have made invaluable contributions over the years.’
Two former DPhil students in the department (both in the former University Laboratory of Physiology) have also been elected this year. They are:
Professor Masud Husain FMedSci, Professor of Neurology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, who did his DPhil with John Stein and Professor Tom Mrsic-Flogel, Director of The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, UCL, who did his DPhil with Andrew King.
Established in 1660, the Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering, and medicine. It seeks to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.
Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome this newest group of exceptional scientists to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. Their contributions reflect the highest standards of scientific endeavour. Whether advancing our understanding of vaccines or exploring the transformative potential of mathematics and computation, their work exemplifies the enduring value of curiosity, creativity and rigorous inquiry.’
Nurse added, ‘Our Fellowship is strengthened not only by individual distinction, but by the diversity of perspectives and experiences its members bring. This incoming cohort highlights the truly international character of contemporary science and underscores the vital role that plays in achieving breakthroughs that benefit us all.’
For more information and the full list of new Fellows, visit the Royal Society news page.