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Professor Cecilia Lindgren from the Big Data Institute and Professor Yang Shi from the Oxford Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research have been elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

The Academy of Medical Sciences has elected 59 influential biomedical and health scientists – eight of which are from the University of Oxford – to its fellowship. The new fellows have been elected to the Academy in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the advancement of biomedical and health science, cutting-edge research discoveries, and translating developments into benefits for patients and wider society.

Prof Lindgren, Professor of Genomic Endocrinology and Metabolism and Director of the Big Data Institute, works towards advancing the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in various facets of obesity, one of the biggest and fastest growing healthcare challenges worldwide. By applying a range of genetic and genomic approaches Prof Lindgren’s work aims to identify genetic variants influencing regional fat distribution.

Professor Lindgren said: ‘I am delighted and honoured to be elected a Fellow. It is an important recognition of not just my work but that of the many others with whom I have had the privilege of working alongside. This award further demonstrates the important roles the large-scale biomedical data and cutting-edge data science have to play in advancing human health.’

Prof Shi is a Professor of Epigenetics at the Oxford Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at the Nuffield Department of Medicine. Prof Shi has made significant contributions to epigenetics. His findings are today being translated into new approaches to cancer therapy, including strategies to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Prof Shi said: ‘I am thrilled that our research on cancer epigenetics has proved to be of promise to cancer medicine. I am also honoured to find myself in the company of such distinguished scientists as those I join in the Fellowship of the Academy.’

Professor Dame Anne Johnson, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said: ‘These new Fellows are pioneering biomedical research and driving life-saving improvements in healthcare, from understanding the spread of infectious diseases to developing mental health interventions. It’s a pleasure to recognise and celebrate their exceptional talent by welcoming them to the Fellowship.’