Six Crick scientists have been elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of 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 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.
The Academy of Medical Sciences is an independent body representing UK medical science, which aims to advance biomedical and health research to benefit society. Every year new fellows are elected for their contributions to biomedical research - cutting edge discoveries and translating developments into benefits for patients and wider society.
Sonia is deputy research director at the Crick, professor of neurology at UCL, and a consultant neurologist at Queen Square National Hospital for Neurology. Her work focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease, particularly Parkinson’s. Her team integrate stem cell biology, imaging and computational approaches to model early stages of neurodegeneration and translate these insights into clinical trials and new therapeutic strategies.
James is a clinical group leader at the Crick, professor of gastroenterology at UCL, and consultant gastroenterologist at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. His research combines genomics and immunology to understand complex autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). His team uses a range of experimental tools to uncover the molecular, cellular and biological mechanisms by which genetic variants predispose people to IBD and they recently discovered a biological pathway that is a principal driver of the condition.
Nic is a Principal Group Leader at the Crick, and his developmental biology research has advanced understanding of how cells regulate growth and tissue size and architecture during development and in adult organisms. His work in Drosophila has been central to defining the Hippo signalling pathway as a tissue growth regulator with implications for cancer and regenerative biology.
Samra was recently appointed Director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, where she is shaping its future scientific direction and strengthening links between research and patient-centred care. She is a medical oncologist and clinician-scientist, whose work applies evolutionary principles to understand how cancers develop and respond to treatment. Samra also leads MANIFEST, a UK-wide platform, bringing together partners from across academia, industry, and the NHS, to understand why patients respond differently to immunotherapy and to develop more precise, effective treatment strategies.
Pietro is Professor of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Group Leader at the Crick, and honorary consultant neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders as motor neuron disease, and how these can be translated to novel therapies and biomarkers. His lab has identified specific RNA processing changes that contribute to disease progression and has developed novel therapeutics to correct these deficits, currently being tested in clinical trials.
Director and CEO of the Crick, Edith is an internationally recognised leader in genetics and epigenetics, whose work has advanced fundamental understanding of how gene expression is regulated during development. Her research on X‑chromosome inactivation has revealed core mechanisms of epigenetic control, while her leadership roles across major international institutions have shaped the direction of biomedical research in Europe and the UK.
“It is an honour to be elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences alongside outstanding colleagues at the Crick,” said Edith. “Across this cohort, the Academy has recognised work that spans fundamental biology through to clinical research, reflecting the depth, rigour and collaborative strength of the UK biomedical research community.”
