In response to the news that Sir Adrian Smith has been confirmed as President Elect of the Royal Society, Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said:
“I am delighted to hear that Sir Adrian Smith has been confirmed as President Elect of the Royal Society. His leadership and influence has proved vital in the previous roles he has played within research organisations, universities and government. I have no doubt that his experience and insight from these sectors will be a huge asset to the Royal Society and to the collective work of the National Academies.
“On behalf of the Academy of Medical Sciences, its Fellows and staff, I look forward to working with Sir Adrian. Steering the UK through the current coronavirus pandemic is first and foremost in our minds at the moment. But we must not lose sight of the important agenda ahead of us in maintaining and building upon the fantastic science and collaborative research that makes our nation such a hub for innovation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Venki Ramakrishnan for his time at the Royal Society. It has been an honour, and a personal pleasure, to work alongside Venki in these recent years.”