The Academy of Medical Sciences has announced its latest cohort of Fellows today (21 May), welcoming Professor George Vassiliou as one of its exceptional new members.
Professor Vassiliou is one of seven recognised from the University of Cambridge, and one of 60 new members overall in the awards that celebrate the work of scientists who have made outstanding contributions to advance medical science through discovery research, translational work, and work that delivers tangible benefits to patients and the public.
Born and raised in Cyprus, George trained in London and Cambridge before establishing his research team at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. He moved to the University of Cambridge in 2019 as a Group Leader in the Department of Haematology and the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute.
He is recognised for his pioneering research into the biology, pathogenesis and treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and related cancers. His work includes the co-discovery of clonal haematopoiesis, transforming our understanding of how somatic mutations and blood stem cell ageing can lead to the development of leukaemia; elucidation of the molecular consequences of key leukaemia driver mutations; and performance of the first genome-wide CRISPR screen in a human cancer, identifying critical AML vulnerabilities and fast-tracking novel therapeutics to the clinic.
On being elected, George says, "I am delighted and honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Academy. Medical Science is a team pursuit, and I owe this honour to the brilliance and dedication of my team and the generosity of my collaborators in Cambridge and beyond."
This year’s cohort also includes CSCI’s Affiliate Group Leader Professor James Nathan for his work at Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID).
Professor Andrew Morris, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “It is a privilege to welcome this outstanding new cohort to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Each of our new Fellows has been recognised by their peers for exceptional achievement for the influence their work has had in advancing medical science and improving health. At a time when health challenges are increasingly complex, the Academy’s Fellowship provides a trusted, independent platform for scientific leaders to work together, champion excellence, and help ensure research delivers real benefits for people and communities.”
The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Tuesday 30 June.