The Academy of Medical Sciences has elected Professors Richard Anderson and Manu Shankar-Hari as two of the sixty exceptional biomedical and health scientists to its prestigious Fellowship. They have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to advancing medical science, through discovery research, translational work and the application of scientific knowledge in ways that deliver tangible benefits for patients and the wider public.The new Fellows are drawn from 28 institutions and represent eight nationalities, with representation from across the UK. The Fellows elected this year join an esteemed Fellowship of over 1,500 researchers who are at the heart of the Academy’s work to nurture scientific talent and shape research and health policy in the UK and worldwide. Professor Richard Anderson Professor Richard Anderson FRSE is Elsie Inglis Professor of Clinical Reproductive Science in the Centre for Reproductive Health. He is also a Consultant Gynaecologist with a specialism in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His research at the University focuses on the preservation of female infertility, following cancer treatment and in other conditions, and new male hormonal contraception including the self-applied testosterone/nestorone gel currently in clinical trials.Richard leads the UK-wide PROTECT study, assessing the effects of cancer treatment on reproductive function in males and females with cancer between the ages 13-25. His group has also developed resources to help support people with cancer to make decisions about their future fertility. Photo credit: Douglas Robertson photography It’s a great honour to be elected to the Academy. Through this I intend to continue to support colleagues developing their careers in academic medicine, combining the best of clinical practice and research. Professor Richard Anderson IRR Group Leader Richard Anderson research group Professor Manu Shankar-HariProfessor Manu Shankar-Hari FRSE is Professor of Translational Critical Care Medicine at the University and works as a consultant physician in intensive care. He is an expert in sepsis, and his research spans bench to bedside, focussed on dissecting clues from the misfiring immune system to enable treatments for patients with sepsis.Manu’s work aims to develop targeted immunomodulatory therapies for patients with sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Manu leads a globally unique and first of its kind precision medicine programme called The TRAITS Programme which focusses on enabling time-critical precision medicine in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This recognition reflects the dedication and insight of the exceptional researchers, PhD students, collaborators, and mentors who have shaped my lab’s work over the years. I am also profoundly grateful to the patients and families whose involvement has made this research possible. My lab’s research focus remains on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of sepsis to enable effective therapies for this life-threatening condition. Professor Manu Shankar-Hari IRR Group Leader Manu Shankar-Hari research group It is a privilege to welcome this outstanding new cohort to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Each of our new Fellows has been recognised by their peers for exceptional achievement for the influence their work has had in advancing medical science and improving health.The diversity of disciplines represented this year reflects the richness of modern medical science and the value of collaboration across fields. At a time when health challenges are increasingly complex, the Academy’s Fellowship provides a trusted, independent platform for scientific leaders to work together, champion excellence, and help ensure research delivers real benefits for people and communities. Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci President of the Academy of Medical Sciences The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Tuesday 30 June. Tags CIR CRH Publication date 18 May, 2026
