York scientist’s medical research accolade

Posted on 9 May 2014

A University of York scientist has been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences for his contribution to the advancement of medical science.

Professor Gideon Davies

Professor Gideon Davies, of the Department of Chemistry at York, is one of 44 researchers from across the UK who have been recognised by the Academy.

Academy Fellows are elected for excellence in medical research, for innovative application of scientific knowledge or for their conspicuous service to healthcare.

Professor Davies, who is also the 2014 Royal Society of Chemistry Khorana Prize winner, was recognised for his “enormous fundamental contributions to our understanding of enzyme mechanism and carbohydrate biochemistry."

He said: “I am honoured be elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences and to join such a distinguished group of fellow scientists.”

Professor Davies’ work has had major societal impact, in areas ranging from biofuels and industrial enzymes through to pioneering work on compounds currently under clinical development as anti-Alzheimer’s agents.

Professor Sir John Tooke PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said: “The Academy of Medical Sciences represents the excellence and diversity of medical science in the UK, and this is evident in the broad range of expertise demonstrated by this year’s new Fellows. They each bring a unique perspective which we will value immensely. Their election is a much deserved honour for the outstanding achievements they have shown throughout their careers. I know they will contribute greatly to the Academy, and I am delighted to welcome them all to the Fellowship.”

The 44 new Fellows, who were selected from a pool of 351 candidates, will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Wednesday 2 July 2014.

Further information:

The independent Academy of Medical Sciences promotes advances in medical science and campaigns to ensure these are translated into benefits for patients. The Academy’s Fellows are the United Kingdom’s leading medical scientists from hospitals, academia, industry and the public service. http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk
For more information about the University of York’s Department of Chemistry, please visit http://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/