Professor David Rowitch, Head of the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Cambridge, has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine in the USA.
“It is a great honour to have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine,” said Professor Rowitch.
Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honours in the fields of health and medicine and recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.
Professor Rowitch obtained his PhD from the University of Cambridge. His research in the field of developmental neurobiology has focused on glial cells that comprise the ‘white matter’ of the human brain. It has furthered understanding human neonatal brain development as well as white matter injury in premature infants, multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophy. Amongst numerous awards, he was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2018 and Fellow of the Royal Society in 2021. His current interest focuses on functional genomic technologies to better diagnose and treat rare neurogenetic disorders in children.
Outside of his lab at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute where he studies glial cell development and the brain’s response to injury, he is academic lead for the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital, developing integrated paediatric physical-mental healthcare and research within the NHS and University of Cambridge.
NAM President Victor J. Dzau said: “This class of new members represents the most exceptional researchers and leaders in health and medicine, who have made significant breakthroughs, led the response to major public health challenges, and advanced health equity.
“Their expertise will be necessary to supporting NAM’s work to address the pressing health and scientific challenges we face today. It is my privilege to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine.”
Professor Rowitch is one of 90 regular members and 10 international members announced during the Academy’s annual meeting. New members are elected by current members through a process that recognises individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health.