Former Innovate UK chief Ruth McKernan elected Vice-President

Georgia McNeill Goble
3 minutes

The Academy of Medical Sciences announces the appointment of Dr Ruth McKernan CBE FMedSci as its Vice-President (Non-Clinical). A renowned neuroscientist, life sciences leader and former Innovate UK Chief Executive, she will take up the role on 3 December.

Dr McKernan brings extensive experience spanning academia, industry and public sector innovation. Throughout her career, Dr McKernan has helped drive advances in research, drug discovery and translation, helping to advance understanding of neurological conditions while supporting the translation of scientific discoveries into tangible health benefits.  

Dr McKernan’s research in neuropharmacology has contributed to major advances in pain research and drug discovery. She has authored more than 120 peer reviewed publications and patents, reflecting a distinguished scientific career that has combined research excellence with a strong commitment to innovation.

Alongside her scientific achievements, Dr McKernan has held several senior leadership roles across the UK’s research and innovation landscape, including as Chief Executive of Innovate UK and Senior Vice-President at Pfizer. Through these roles, she has championed collaboration between academia, industry, investors and policymakers, helping strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences research and translation.

Elected to the Academy’s Fellowship in 2015, Dr McKernan has made significant contributions to supporting the UK’s research and innovation landscape. She is a founding investor in several early-stage biotechnology companies and co-founded the UK BioIndustry Association’s Women in Biotech initiative, which works to improve representation and leadership opportunities for women across the life sciences sector.

Headshot Ruth McKernan
Dr Ruth McKernan CBE FMedSci, incoming Vice-President (Non-Clinical)

I am honoured to take on this role at a time when UK science and health need strong, independent voices and closer collaboration across research, industry, policy and the NHS. The Academy plays a vital part in championing research, supporting emerging leaders, and ensuring evidence informs policy. 

Dr Ruth McKernan CBE FMedSci incoming Vice-President (Non-Clinical)

Professor Sir Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, welcomed the appointment.

Dr McKernan brings an exceptional combination of deep scientific expertise, proven innovation leadership and a career spent connecting academia, industry and public service. Those perspectives will be invaluable to the Academy’s work championing discovery science, supporting the talent and ideas that drive research, and helping turn excellent science into better health for all.

Professor Sir Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci President of the Academy of Medical Sciences

As Vice-President (Non-Clinical), Dr McKernan will join the five other Honorary Officers siting on the Academy’s Council, which is responsible for guiding the organisation’s strategic direction. The role provides leadership across the Academy’s work in non-clinical biomedical research, representing the interests of researchers working in areas including fundamental science, engineering biology, data science and other disciplines that underpin medical and health advances.

Professor McKernan succeeds Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, who has served as Vice-President (Non-Clinical) for four years. During his tenure, Professor Naismith played a vital role in supporting the Academy’s work across the breadth of non-clinical medical science, helping to champion interdisciplinary research and strengthen the Academy’s contribution to the UK’s research landscape.