King's College London

They are among 60 biomedical and health scientists recognised this year by the Academy for 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 King’s academics 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.

Professor Joseph Hajnal

Professor Jo (Joseph) Hajnal FREng is Professor of Imaging Science at King’s and a leading figure in medical imaging research. Trained as a physicist, he has worked in MRI since 1990 and has pioneered major advances in magnetic resonance imaging, including motion tolerant imaging methods and techniques for image reconstruction and analysis

He leads a broad research programme spanning MRI, ultrasound and advanced imaging technologies, with a particular focus on imaging in challenging conditions such as fetal and neonatal motion. His recent work includes innovations in motion corrected MRI, fetal brain imaging and multi transducer ultrasound, as well as contributions to large scale initiatives such as the developing Human Connectome Project and intelligent fetal imaging systems.

Professor Cathryn Lewis

Professor Cathryn Lewis is Professor of Genetic Epidemiology and Statistics and Head of the School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences in the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London.

Her multidisciplinary research group identifies and characterises genetic variants conferring risk of disease, including depression, schizophrenia and stroke.

Professor Lewis said: “I am delighted to be elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This recognition reflects the many brilliant colleagues, collaborators and trainees that I have had the pleasure to work with across psychiatric genetics. Through large-scale team science, we are starting to turn genetic discoveries into real insights into mental health and treatment. I am excited to contribute to the Academy’s work going forward.”

Professor Kypros Nicolaides

Professor Nicolaides is Professor of Fetal Medicine in the School of Life Course & Population Health Sciences, and founder and chairman of the Fetal Medicine Foundation. He has led research on prenatal screening and fetal therapy, pioneering methods for the early detection and prevention of pregnancy complications, including premature birth, pre-eclampsia and chromosomal abnormalities.

In addition to his research, he has played a key role in building global partnerships and training programmes aimed at accelerating the impact of research on patient outcomes.

Professor Nicolaides said: “This is a great honour and challenge to continue our work for the benefit of pregnant women and their unborn children worldwide.”

Professor Manu Shankar-Hari

Professor Shankar-Hari is Professor of Critical Care Medicine in the School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences and Director of the King’s Health Partners’ Centre for Critical Illness Research in the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine.

Professor Shankar-Hari leads a cross-disciplinary translational research programme which focuses on the global challenge of sepsis and sepsis survivorship. In particular, his research explores how the immune system, which normally protects the body, can misfire during sepsis and critical illness.

Professor Shankar-Hari said: “I am deeply honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This recognition reflects the work of the many exceptional researchers, both clinical and fundamental, who have contributed to my lab over the years, collaborators, and mentors. Their insight, dedication, and curiosity have been central to everything we have achieved.

“I am equally indebted to the patients and families who have contributed to this research; their involvement is fundamental and never taken for granted. My lab’s focus remains on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of sepsis, with the goal of enabling effective therapies for a condition that continues to carry a high risk of death.”