Thursday, 22 May 2025
An expert from the University of Nottingham, whose research is vital in helping to improve the quality of life and care of people with dementia, has been awarded a Fellowship from the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Professor Sube Banerjee, MBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Professor of Dementia at the University of Nottingham, is one of 54 exceptional biomedical and health scientists to be recognised by the Academy. The group are being awarded the Fellowships for their remarkable contribution to advancing medical science, groundbreaking research discoveries and translating developments into benefits for patients and the wider public.
Professor Banerjee is internationally preeminent in applied health research and policy in dementia. Driven by desire to improve the quality of life of people with dementia by improving care quality, over 30 years he has done precisely that. His research, clinical innovation and health policy/strategy have been instrumental in bringing dementia out of the shadows to be a major priority worldwide. He combines excellence in research with direct involvement in formulation, delivery and communication of policy, strategy and change, nationally and internationally.
He led the development and delivery of England’s National Dementia Strategy improving public understanding, diagnostic services and post-diagnostic care, and worked with WHO on global dementia policy. His independent ministerial report on antipsychotic use in dementia, and his RCTs (SADD, SYMBAD), changed the evidence base and clinical behaviour, so frail older people are not exposed to ineffective drugs with major adverse effects, saving over 1,000 lives annually.
He has championed under-served groups with research into barriers to care for people from minority ethnic groups and leads DETERMIND, the world’s largest research programme into inequalities and inequities in dementia outcomes and care. Fundamental research on quality of life gave the experience of people with dementia a voice in research through the world-leading DEMQOL system. New models of memory services enabled the doubling (to 67%) of UK dementia diagnosis rates, with international uptake.
I am delighted and immensely honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This is only possible because of the fantastic creative thoughts and actions of the researchers, clinicians and most importantly the people with dementia and their families who have worked with me over the years to improve the quality of life and quality of care of people with dementia."
"The Academy of Medical Sciences has a critical role in our national research ecosystem and I look forward to working with them to continue to build health science and practice that really improves patient care and does so equitably.”
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.”
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of 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 third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 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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