We are delighted to announce that the Academy Council has elected two new Honorary Officers: Professor Fiona Watt FRS FMedSci as the new Vice President Non-Clinical and Professor Dame Anne Johnson DBE FMedSci as the new Vice President International.
Welcoming these two exceptional Professors highlights the depth of talent within the sector. We are proud to have Dame Anne and Professor Watt join this team of prestigious leaders, contributing to the Academy’s core decisions.
Professor Fiona Watt has been appointed as the next Vice President Non-Clinical. Fiona is currently Director of the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at King's College London and she will begin her 4-year term of office at the Academy’s AGM on Tuesday 5 December 2017, when the current Vice President Non-Clinical, Professor Martin Humphries FMedSci, steps down from the role. We hope that Fellows will join us at the Annual Fellows Day later in the year both as an opportunity to warmly thank Martin for his dedicated service to the Academy and also to welcome Fiona to her new role as Vice President Non-Clinical.
On her election as Academy Vice President Non-Clinical, Professor Watt said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as Vice President Non-Clinical. The Academy plays a key role in advancing biomedical and health research both in the UK and internationally. I am thrilled to be the Academy’s voice for fundamental scientific research, the vital foundation of future patient benefit. I look forward to contributing to its mission in the coming years.”
Professor Dame Anne Johnson will become Vice President International next summer, taking over from Professor George Griffin FMedSci who will complete his term of office at our Admissions Day on 27 June next year.
Anne is currently Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London. She recently led the Academy’s 'Improving the health of the public by 2040’ report and brings a wealth of international experience, collaborations and networks to the role. We look forward to seeing Anne continue to strengthen the Academy’s international profile and deliver the challenges highlighted in our new strategy of achieving influence and impact beyond the UK to improve health and well-being.
On taking over the role of Vice President International, Professor Dame Anne Johnson said:
“International cooperation has never been more important for global healthcare and biomedical research. We face new challenges as we leave the European Union in regard to funding, international collaboration and creating opportunities for the next generation of world leading scientists. There are also opportunities that we need to harness, particularly following the creation of the Global Challenges Research Fund, which, with other international initiatives, provide the chance to work more closely with global partners.
“I am delighted and honoured to be joining the Academy team with whom I have already worked closely on their 'Improving the health of the public by 2040’ report.”
The Academy looks forward to working with these very talented individuals who will contribute to the Academy achieving its strategic plans and challenges.