King's College London

They are among the 54 exceptional biomedical and health scientists the Academy of Medical Sciences elected to its prestigious fellowship this year. 

The new Fellows have been recognised for their remarkable contributions to advancing medical science, groundbreaking research discoveries and translating developments into benefits for patients and the wider public. Their work exemplifies the Academy’s mission to create an open and progressive research sector that improves health for everyone.

The expertise of Fellows elected spans a wide range of clinical and non-clinical disciplines, from infectious disease and stem cell biology to veterinary medicine and dementia research. They join an esteemed Fellowship of 1,450 researchers at the heart of the Academy’s work, which includes nurturing the next generation of scientists and shaping research and health policy in the UK and worldwide.

Benjamin Blencowe, Professor of RNA Biology and Genomics in the School of Neuroscience

Professor Blencowe joined the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology in 2024 upon receiving the Wellcome Discovery Award to study gene regulation in autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease with Professors Jernej Ule and Laura Andreae. His research focuses on fundamental, RNA-directed mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression and how these mechanisms are disrupted in human diseases and disorders.

Professor Blencowe remarks, "It is a wonderful honour to have been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This recognition is a testament to the tremendous efforts of an outstanding team of group members and collaborators I have the privilege of working with. We are very grateful for the opportunity to advance our research directed at understanding RNA regulation and the development of new therapeutic strategies for brain disorders at King's and the Crick"

Andrew Shennan, Professor of Obstetrics and Tommy's Chair in Maternal and Fetal Health in the School of Life Course & Population Sciences

Professor Shennan is the Head of the Department of Women & Children's Health in the School of Life Course & Population Sciences. He specialises in clinical trials in antenatal and intrapartum care. His research interests include interventions to predict and prevent preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and reduce global maternal and perinatal mortality. He has an active clinical role in managing high-risk obstetric patients and a specialist preterm birth surveillance clinic.

Professor Shennan said, “I am absolutely delighted to be elected as a fellow to the Academy. It reflects the efforts of so many that I have been privileged to work with. It has inspired me to continue nurturing others, particularly to impact on the most challenging obstetric problems around the world.”

Philip Newsome, Professor of Hepatology, Director of the Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies and Director of the KHP Centre for Translational Medicine

Professor Newsome has driven major innovation internationally in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), leading a multidisciplinary service, global trials and developing diagnostic tools. As national clinical lead for the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres, he oversees the rollout of cell and gene therapies across the NHS. He also directs the KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, driving academic capacity and helping shape and coordinate translational research across King's College London, Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital, and South London and Maudsley.

Professor Newsome remarked, "I’m honoured to have been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding colleagues and collaborators I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. I’m proud to contribute to a community that advances medical science and improves health for people in the UK and beyond."

Jernej Ule, Van Geest Professor of Neurodegeneration Research at the School of Neuroscience and the Centre Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute at King's.

Professor Ule's research studies the importance of RNA networks in coordinating neuronal differentiation and functions, focusing on the assembly and function of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) and their deregulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The group looks to develop new therapeutic approaches for ALS and other neurologic diseases.

Professor Ule said, "I am truly humbled to have been elected into the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Science. It’s been a privilege to work with outstanding and dedicated colleagues in this community. It is an honour to continue my work to understand the biological mechanism of neurodegeneration."