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York academics elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences

Posted on 22 May 2025

Two York professors have been elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of their achievements in the fields of stem cell biology and orthopaedic surgery.

Professor David Kent and Professor Amar Rangan

Professor David Kent and Professor Amar Rangan have been recognised for their remarkable contributions to advancing medical science, groundbreaking research discoveries and efforts to translate developments into benefits for patients and the wider public.

This year, a total of 54 new Fellows have been elected to the prestigious Fellowship, which is offered to exceptional biomedical and health scientists. Their work exemplifies the Academy’s mission to create an open and progressive research sector that improves health for everyone. 

Revolutionary

Professor David Kent from the Department of Biology, and Centre for Blood Research within the York Biomedical Research Institute, is a leading stem cell biologist whose collaborative work has been revolutionary in his field. His achievements include discovering that the order in which genetic changes (mutations) happen in stem cells impacts blood cancer evolution and co-developing a new method to track and count stem cells by looking at patterns of naturally occurring mutations in DNA as genetic “barcodes”. 

This barcoding method is now being used by many other scientists around the world. The ability to track stem cells, especially in the context of disease development and during clinical trials of new gene therapies for diseases like sickle cell anemia, is crucial for making sure treatments are safe and effective. 

Professor Kent said: "I feel deeply honoured to be elected into the Academy and am also looking forward to contributing to the amazing work they do in the research, policy and research culture spaces.

"There are of course a huge number of people whose work have contributed to the work that we have published over the years and I'm particularly pleased that we have managed big cross-disciplinary projects that move beyond what a single lab can take on" 

Leading figure

Professor Amar Rangan from the Department of Health Sciences and Hull York Medical School (HYMS) is a specialist shoulder surgeon, Head of the Academic Centre for Surgery at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, and a leading figure in surgical research. His position as Mary Kinross Trust and Royal College of Surgeons Chair allows him to lead studies aimed at improving surgical treatments.

Professor Rangan is dedicated to making sure surgical procedures, especially in bone and joint surgery, are as effective as possible. His UK-wide multicentre surgical trials have had global impact, influencing clinical practice and policy. President elect of the British Orthopaedic Association and past President of British Elbow & Shoulder Society, he is committed to advancing knowledge in his field regionally and nationally.

Global influence

Professor Rangan said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. I owe it to my very talented colleagues, patients and public contributors who work with me in embedding impactful clinical and translational surgical research in the NHS, which continues to have a global influence. I now look forward to contributing to the influential work of the Academy.”

Professors Kent and Rangan join an esteemed Fellowship of 1,450 researchers who are 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.

Extraordinary curiosity

Professor Andy Dougill, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of York, said: “It is fantastic to see David and Amar’s outstanding work recognised by the Academy of Medical Sciences.

"Their dedication to finding new solutions for long-standing problems in their fields, coupled with their significant efforts in nurturing future scientific talent, truly embodies the extraordinary curiosity and commitment to a healthier future that defines research here at York."

Unique expertise

Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, added: “It is a privilege to welcome these 54 exceptional scientists to our Fellowship. Each new Fellow brings unique expertise and perspective to addressing the most significant health challenges facing society. 

“The breadth of disciplines represented in this year’s cohort – from mental health and infectious disease to cancer biology and respiratory medicine – reflects the rich diversity of medical science today. Their election comes at a crucial time when scientific excellence and collaboration across disciplines are essential for addressing global health challenges both now and in the future. We look forward to working with them to advance biomedical research and create an environment where the best science can flourish for the benefit of people everywhere.” 

 

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