Professor Mary Herbert, Professor of Reproductive Biology at Newcastle University has been elected as a Fellow to the Academy of Medical Sciences.

She joins 50 new Fellows, leading figures within biomedical and health sciences, who have been selected for their outstanding contributions to advancing medical science, cutting edge research discoveries, and translating developments into benefits for patients and wider society. Many of the new Fellows have also made a contribution to medical science through outstanding leadership, public engagement and supporting the career advancement of junior trainees.

Professor Herbert  FMedSci developed “three-person IVF”, a pioneering method to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases.  She said: “I am thrilled to join the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences. It is an honour to be elected to this brain trust of experts, each of whom has changed the landscape of biomedical and health science for the better.

“My area of research is truly global, and in this time of uncertainty with Brexit it is more essential than ever that as a research community we are fully tapped into the network of scientists across the world. I have always admired the Academy’s focus on international and interdisciplinary work and it is a real delight to join the Fellowship and become a firm part of this.”

This year's elected Fellows have expertise spanning women's health, virology, global health, medical statistics, health policy, cancer genetics, allergy and emergency care medicine, among many other fields.

Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said:“The Academy’s Fellowship is a unique assembly of the finest minds in biomedical and health research, from across the UK and beyond. Our Fellows are at the centre of all that we do, from supporting early career researchers via our hugely popular mentorship programme to incorporating public and patient views into health research. Their collective wisdom is a national asset to guide research and policy aimed at tackling pressing health challenges.

“It brings me great pleasure to congratulate the new Fellows, each of whom has pushed the boundaries of their individual research field. I am always delighted to see the Fellowship expand, adding fresh talent to our invaluable pool of high quality guidance, advice and expertise.”

The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on 26 June 2019.

(Adapted with thanks to the Academy of Medical Sciences)