Sir Peter Lachmann FRS FMedSci was the Founder President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, and held the position between 1998-2002. He was emeritus Sheila Joan Smith Professor of Immunology in the University of Cambridge and a fellow of Christ’s College.
Sir Peter Lachmann FRS FMedSci trained in medicine at Cambridge and University College Hospital and obtained a PhD and ScD in Cambridge in immunology.
His principal research interests were:
- The immunochemistry, biology and genetics of the complement system.
- Microbial immunology. Particular topics include microbial subversion of the innate immune response and the immunology of measles.
- Enhancement of the immune response and its relevance to vaccines.
- Immunopathology, particularly in relation to systemic LE and to multiple sclerosis.
- Insect sting allergy.
He was the founder President of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences (1998-2002) and served as its representative on the Inter Academy Medical Panel executive (2000-2006). He was Biological secretary of the Royal Society (1993-98) and President of the Royal College of Pathologists (1990-93); and served on UNESCO’s international bioethics committee from 1993-98. In these capacities he became involved with the ethical and policy aspects of medical science, particularly in connection with public health, vaccination, stem cells, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and genetically modified food crops.
Sir Peter paid a critical role in the foundation of this Academy in 1998, and served as its founding President between 1998 and 2002. We gratefully remember him as an inspired leader and a kind man.
“We owe him a considerable debt and I miss a friend.”