The Academy's network of Regional Champions build on the sense of collegiality across the Fellowship.
The Academy's network of Regional Champions connects and supports our Fellows, grant awardees and wider networks across the UK.
Champions undertake activities in their area that increase connectivity between Fellows, raise awareness of the Academy’s work amongst the broader biomedical community, and facilitate engagement between the Academy and the Fellowship.
About our Regional Champions
The regional work of the Academy is informed by our ten Regional Champions, who are spread across the UK.
The scheme was established in 2014 by Professor Martin Humphries FMedSci, former Vice President (Non-Clinical) of the Academy.
Our vision was to:
- establish nationwide network of Fellows to build on the existing level of collegiality
- increase communication networks and connections between Fellowsand
- raise awareness of, and engagement with. the Academy’s work within the wider biomedical community.
Our recently launched 10 year strategy highlights some of the prominent issues that we face nationwide, including health inequalities and climate change. The role of the Regional Champion in representing regional and local activity is therefore increasingly vital in helping us ensure our work will benefit all of the communities that we represent.
Our Regional Champions work to connect the dots, bringing people together, sharing knowledge and growing collaborations and partnerships across the region and local communities. They also act as a conduit, sharing information between local level practice and national policy, helping the Academy to remain relevant and responsive to the needs of people on the ground doing this work.
Why become a Regional Champion?
We actively seek and encourage Fellows to come forward and continue the excellent work of our existing Regional Champions, adding their own ideas, individuality and passion to the role. Regional Champions serve three years, with posts renewed on a rotating basis. Activities carried out by previous Regional Champions include regional workshops, research festivals and early career conferences.They receive dedicated support and resources, facilitated connections to local researchers and others - both in their region and across the UK - and the opportunity to shape and influence the Academy’s work.
We are currently seeking new Regional Champions to represent the following areas:
- Wales
- North East of England
- South East of England
For more information about becoming a Regional Champion, or how to work more closely with a champion in your area, please contact our current Champions or our Regional Engagement Manager, Rubana Hussein (rubana.hussein@acmedsci.ac.uk).
Current Regional Champions
The following Fellows are currently serving as the Academy's Regional Champions:
East Anglia
Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald FMedSci
Professor of Cancer Prevention and Honorary Consultant Gastroenterologist, University of Cambridge
Midlands
Professor Wiebke Arlt FMedSci
William Withering Chair of Medicine and Director, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
North East
Professor Sophie Hambleton FMedSci
Professor in Peadiatrics and Immunology, Newcastle University
North West
Professor Dame Nicky Cullum FMedSci
Professor of Nursing, University of Manchester and Director, NIHR ARC for Greater Manchester
Northern Ireland
Professor Danny McAuley FMedSci
Professor and Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast
Scotland
Professor Tim Aitman FRSE FMedSci
Professor of Molecular Pathology and Genetics, University of Edinburgh
South East
Professor John Primrose FMedSci
Professor of Surgery, University of Southampton
South West
Professor Sallie Lamb FMedSci
Mireille Gillings Professor of Health Innovation and Ageing, University of Exeter
Wales
Professor Valerie O'Donnell FMedSci
Professor of Lipid Biochemsitry, Cardiff University
Yorkshire and Humberside
Professor David Beech FMedSci
Professor of Cardiovascular Science, University of Leeds