Four leading medical researchers at Oxford University have been elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences.Professors Paul Bolam, Frances Platt, Andrew King and Doug Altman are among 40 new Fellows announced today by the Academy.The honour recognises outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical science, innovative application of scientific knowledge or conspicuous service to healthcare.
Professor Sir John Bell, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said: 'These new Fellows demonstrate the amazing talent present in the UK biomedical community. Thanks to these exceptional individuals the UK is home to some of the best medical science in the world. I am delighted that the Academy can recognise the vital role each one of them has played in delivering health and wealth benefits to the UK and beyond. Their work has ensured scientific discoveries make rapid progress from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside and I look forward to working with them.'
Paul Bolam is associate director of the MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit in Oxford and professor of anatomical neuropharmacology in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford. His current research on Parkinson's disease looks to understand how the functions of part of the brain called the basal ganglia are altered in Parkinson's, and why some dopamine-producing neurons are more susceptible than others. A former chair of the research advisory panel for Parkinson's UK, he currently serves on the neuroscience and mental health board of the Medical Research Council.
(From University of Oxford Press Office, see full announcement here.)