This year’s Honorary Fellows, Dr John Climax FMedSci, Dr Tan Chorh Chuan FMedSci and Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw FMedSci, have each made transformative contributions across clinical research, health system leadership and biotechnology, shaping advances that have improved lives around the world.
A pioneer of India’s biotechnology sector, Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw FMedSci is the founder and Executive Chairperson of Biocon and Biocon Biologics, a leading biopharmaceutical company based in India. She has driven major advances in affordable biologics for cancer, diabetes and autoimmune diseases, and founded both the Biocon Foundation and the Mazumdar-Shaw Medical Foundation. Dr Mazumdar-Shaw FMedSci has received numerous international honours for her contributions to science, innovation and health equity.
Dr Mazumdar-Shaw FMedSci said: “I am honoured to be elected an Honorary Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, which I greatly admire for its leadership in scientific excellence, policy influence and global collaboration. I have long believed in the power of translational science to deliver affordable, equitable healthcare. I look forward to working with the Academy and its Fellows to advance innovation and improve health outcomes in India and globally.”
Dr John Climax PhD DSc FMedSci is a biotechnology leader best known for co‑founding ICON plc and helping grow it into one of the world’s largest clinical research organisations, employing more than 40,000 people across 38 countries. His philanthropic support has enabled major academic initiatives, including the creation of the Chair of Clinical Therapeutics at the University of Oxford. He is the founder and CEO of Afimmune, Executive Chairman of DS Biopharma, and a founding member of Science Gallery International and the Human Dignity Foundation, which supports child safety projects globally. Dr Climax also holds academic appointments at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the National University of Singapore.
Dr Climax FMedSci said: “I am delighted that the Academy has awarded me this great honour. For many years efforts have been made to bring industry standards to academic research. I am thankful to the Academy of Medical Sciences for their recognition through this Honorary Fellowship.”
Dr Tan Chorh Chuan DUBC PJG BBM PPA (E) FMedSci is Permanent Secretary (National Research and Development) in the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore, and has served as Deputy Chairman of the Agency for Science Technology and Research's (A*STAR) Board, as well as Director of the Ministry of Health’s Office for Healthcare Transformation. A renal physician and former Director of Medical Services, he led Singapore’s response to SARS in 2003 and later served as President of the National University of Singapore. He is internationally recognised for his leadership in public health and science policy.
Dr Tan FMedSci said “It is a high honour to receive an Honorary Fellowship from the Academy of Medical Sciences, whose high impact work bridges research, healthcare, and innovation, with a strong commitment to the advancement of scientific talent. The Fellowship is particularly meaningful as these are areas which have been central to my own efforts. I very much look forward to being part of the Academy’s distinguished Fellowship.”
Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:“The election of our new Honorary Fellows reflects the global nature of modern biomedical science and the vital role of collaboration across borders, sectors and disciplines. Each has made an exceptional contribution to advancing research, strengthening health systems and improving outcomes for patients worldwide. Their leadership in clinical research, public health and biotechnology continues to help drive progress, improve health and support an environment where innovation and scientific excellence can thrive. We proudly welcome them to our Honorary Fellowship and look forward to the insight and international perspective they will bring to our work.”
Those elected this year join a distinguished group of over 50 Honorary Fellows celebrated for their leadership, service and impact across medical science.
Their expertise and insight will enrich the Academy’s work to advance research, improve health and strengthen the UK’s role in global science.