Professor James Naismith FMedSci, Senior Research Fellow in Structural Biology at Jesus College, has been elected to the position of Vice President (Non-Clinical) of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Jim, who is currently Professor of Structural Biology at the University of Oxford and Director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, takes over from Professor Michael Malim FMedSci, who demits the role in December. The Vice President serves a four-year term as one of six Honorary Officers, the Academy’s key decision-making group. In this role, Jim will represent the expertise of non-clinical disciplines in the delivery of the Academy’s 10-year strategy.
Professor Jim Naismith, Senior Research Fellow in Structural Biology at Jesus College.
Image credit: Research Complex at Harwell
Jim was elected to the Academy’s Fellowship in 2012 in recognition of his achievements. As Director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, he oversees the development of new technologies to tackle health challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to emerging diseases. He is a world leading expert in structural biology, blending structural analysis with mechanistic study to develop new approaches to answer chemical problems in biology.
Jim says; “I look forward to trying to repay the trust shown in me by my election to the Academy’s Honorary Officers. Medical science is vitally important to the health, wealth and wellbeing of the UK and the wider world. The Academy has been key to thinking about how these impacts are realised and championing diversity in medical science careers.
“I want to pay tribute to Professor Michael Malim FMedSci who has been such a success in his term. I am delighted to take over the role from Michael to work with Professor Dame Anne Johnson PMedSci, our Academy President, the Honorary Officers, the wider Fellowship and the fantastic team of professional staff.”
Professor Dame Anne Johnson PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, added; “I am very pleased to welcome Professor James Naismith FMedSci to the Academy’s Honorary Officers, as Vice President (Non-Clinical). Jim is a distinguished researcher whose broad experience means he is well placed to support the scientific leaders of the future and engage our whole community with the work of the Academy. He will have much to contribute as we deliver the priorities in our ambitious 10-year strategy, to achieve good health for all supported by the best research and evidence. I am very much looking forward to working with him in the coming years.
Jim will take up his position as Vice President (Non-Clinical) with effect from the Academy’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 6 December 2022.