Exeter scientist elected Royal Society Fellow

Professor Gordon Brown, Director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, is among 51 new Fellows, 10 Foreign Members and one Honorary Fellow selected for their “outstanding contributions to scientific understanding”.

Professor Brown’s primary research interests are C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) and their role in homeostasis and immunity, with a particular focus on antifungal immunity.

“I am honoured and delighted to have been elected to the Royal Society, an organisation whose mission is to promote the use of science for the benefit of all,” he said.

“I am indebted to all my mentors, the support of my wonderful colleagues, and the amazing people who have been part of my team over the years.

“Most of all, I need to thank Janet Willment, my scientific and life partner, whose critical contributions this honour also recognises.”

Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society, said: “At this time of global crisis, the importance of scientific thinking, and the medicines, technologies and insights it delivers, has never been clearer.

“Our Fellows and Foreign Members are central to the mission of the Royal Society, to use science for the benefit of humanity.

“While election to the Fellowship is a recognition of exceptional individual contributions to the sciences, it is also a network of expertise that can be drawn on to address issues of societal, and global significance.

“This year’s Fellows and Foreign Members have helped shape the 21st Century through their work at the cutting-edge of fields from human genomics, to climate science and machine learning.

“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate these achievements, and those yet to come, and welcome them into the ranks of the Royal Society.”

The scientists recognised by the Royal Society today have made discoveries ranging from the first planets outside our solar system, to the creation of the world’s smallest molecular engine, new mathematical proofs and treatments for debilitating global disease.

Their ranks include six Nobel laureates, as well as internationally recognised leaders in industry and science policy.