Professor Draper, whose research is focused on the development of blood-stage malaria vaccines, is one of 54 exceptional biomedical and health scientists awarded the prestigious Fellowship. The new Fellows have been recognised for their remarkable contributions to advancing medical science, ground-breaking research discoveries and translating developments into benefits for patients and the wider public. Their work exemplifies the Academy’s mission to create an open and progressive research sector that improves health for everyone.
Professor Draper said: “I am delighted to have been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences and honoured that the work of our lab should be recognised in this way. All credit goes to the wonderful research team that I have had the privilege to work with over many years. Malaria continues to affect the most vulnerable in society, in the world’s poorest regions, and there remains an urgent need to develop improved vaccines to protect future generations. I am immensely grateful to my team for their tireless efforts in this regard, and to our partners and collaborators who are helping us to advance innovative solutions aimed at reducing the global burden of this disease.”
The expertise of Fellows elected spans a wide range of clinical and non-clinical disciplines, from infectious disease and stem cell biology to veterinary medicine and dementia research. They join an esteemed Fellowship of 1,450 researchers who are at the heart of the Academy’s work, which includes nurturing the next generation of scientists and shaping research and health policy in the UK and worldwide.
Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “It is a privilege to welcome these 54 exceptional scientists to our Fellowship. Each new Fellow brings unique expertise and perspective to addressing the most significant health challenges facing society.
“The breadth of disciplines represented in this year’s cohort – from mental health and infectious disease to cancer biology and respiratory medicine – reflects the rich diversity of medical science today. Their election comes at a crucial time when scientific excellence and collaboration across disciplines are essential for addressing global health challenges both now and in the future. We look forward to working with them to advance biomedical research and create an environment where the best science can flourish for the benefit of people everywhere.”
This year’s cohort reflects the Academy’s ongoing commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within its Fellowship. Among the new Fellows, 41% are women – matching last year’s intake. Black, Asian and minority ethnic representation has reached 20% as the Academy continues working on improving the diversity of its Fellowship.
The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Wednesday 9 July 2025.