Double honour for excellence in medical science
May 2007Two academics from the School of Medicine have been recognised for their contribution to medical science with their election to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Professors Henry Kitchener and Shon Lewis become Fellows along with 37 other leading names from hospitals, academia, industry and public services.
Professor Henry Kitchener is Chair of Gynaecology Oncology in the School of Medicine’s Cancer and Imaging Research Group, and Director of R & D in Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s NHS Trust. He is also Chair of the National Cancer Research Institute, Clinical Studies Group in Gynaecological Cancer.
A major area of Professor Kitchener’s research is human papillomavirus including its role as a test in cervical screening and as a vaccine. His other research area is clinical trials, especially surgical trials and trials of diagnostics in cervical screening. He is currently the principal investigator of two such trials funded by the Health Technology Assessment Programme, one assessing HPV testing and the other automation in cervical screening.
Professor Shon Lewis, who heads the School of Medicine’s Psychiatry Research Group, is R&D Director of Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust and Associate Director of the UK Mental Health Research Network. He is also chief investigator on the MRC clinical e-science grant in early psychosis (PsyGrid).
Professor Lewis’s research focuses on early psychosis as potentially the most important context in which to clarify mechanisms of progression of schizophrenia, which affects more than one in 100 people in the UK and from which 80% will never recover, and also testing new treatments. His research has been funded by MRC, HTA and US organisations.
Professor John Bell, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said: “These Fellows enter the Academy at a time when health and medical science issues are high on the public and political agenda.
“Our Fellows demonstrate the wealth of experience and diversity of talent amongst the UK’s research community.
“Their excellence in medical research plays a pivotal role in determining the future of medical science and the benefits that society will enjoy in years to come.
“For the promise of our Fellows’ work to be fulfilled it is vital that appropriate policies and regulations are in place to ensure research is not unduly hindered, but at the same time progresses in harmony with society.”
