Wednesday, 12 May 2021
Professor Jonathan Van Tam, from the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham and the Government’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Professor Van Tam is one of 50 prominent biomedical and health scientists elected to the Academy’s respected and influential fellowship for their exceptional contribution to the advancement of medical science through innovative research discoveries and translating scientific developments into benefits for patients and the wider society.
Professor Van Tam is an alumnus of the University, and graduated from the School of Medicine in 1987. He has also been a Professor of Health Protection in the School of Medicine since late 2007, where he specialises in influenza, epidemiology, transmission, vaccinology and pandemic preparedness.
He is currently seconded to the Department of Health as one of three Deputy Chief Medical Officers, where he has been a key provider of independent advice to the Government during the Covid-19 pandemic. He leads on health protection and regularly presents at the 10 Downing Street Covid-19 press conferences.
It is an honour and a privilege to be elected as a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. The Covid-19 pandemic has put science into the public spotlight and the challenge of translating biomedical and health research to benefits for society has never been so pressing. I am humbled to join such an impressive group of scientists, especially at such an important time for science."
Professor John Atherton, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham, said: “We are immensely proud of everything Professor Van Tam has achieved to date. He is renowned across the UK for his response to the Covid-19 pandemic and he continues to lead the country through an incredibly challenging time, and we are delighted to call him one of our own here at Nottingham. This Fellowship is thoroughly deserved and we are pleased he is getting the recognition he so rightly deserves.”
Professor Dame Anne Johnson PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “I am truly delighted to welcome these 50 new Fellows to the Academy’s Fellowship, and I offer my congratulations to each of them on their exceptional contribution to biomedical and health science. The knowledge, skill and influence that each brings to the Fellowship is the Academy’s most powerful asset.
“The last year has clearly demonstrated the power and prowess of UK biomedical science, and I am proud of how many Fellows, new and old, have been at the forefront of the Covid-19 response in the UK and globally.
“Although it is hard to look beyond the pandemic right now, I want to stress how important it is that the Academy Fellowship represents the widest diversity of biomedical and health sciences. The greatest health advances rely on the findings of many types of research, and on multidisciplinary teams and cross-sector and global collaboration.
“I am pleased that the newest cohort of Fellows demonstrates this breadth of expertise, from microbiology to healthcare law and medical statistics. I also warmly welcome the three new Fellows bringing knowledge and insight from the industry sector; translational collaboration with industry is necessary for patients to reap the full benefits of UK research.”
Professor Van Tam will be formally admitted to the Academy on 1 July 2021.
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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