Double Fellowship Success for Cardiff School of Biosciences

Professor Alun Davies has been elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Professor Davies is among 40 of the UK's leading doctors and medical researchers who have been elected Fellows this year for excellence in medical science.

Professor Davies' work focuses on the developing nervous system at the cellular and molecular level. In particular, his team is investigating the factors that regulate the survival of nerve cells and the growth of neural processes during development.

Professor Davies said: "I was delighted to be elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences, which reflects the work of my whole research group. Together, we are building understanding of how the nervous system grows in its early stages, which has potential implications for tackling a variety of illnesses and disorders."

The Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, Dr David Grant, welcomed the success, saying: "I would like to congratulate Professor Davies ….on this recognition… Fellowships of the Academy are among the most prestigious honours in Medical Science…"

Professor Davies will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on June 22.

In another election, Professor John Harwood, Deputy Director of School, has been elected as an Honorary Member of the prestigious Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Professor Harwood's work focuses on the metabolism and function of acyl lipids of which there are three broad areas of interest: environmental stress, the regulation of lipid metabolism and medical aspects of lipids.

Professor Harwood said on his election "This is a fantastic honour that reflects well on all the hard work carried out by my group over the years"

The Hungarian Academy of Sciences was founded in 1825 and is one of the oldest and most distinguished academies in Europe. The Academy has eleven sections reflecting all branches of science. Professor Harwood is one of 35 new Honorary Members and is elected by the General Assembly to the Biological Sciences section.

This is the second member of Cardiff School of Biosciences to be elected to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.  Professor Ole Petersen, Director of School, was elected in 2004.