Two Cardiff University academics elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences

Two Cardiff University academics, both leaders in different aspects of neuroscience research, have received one of the leading honours in medical science.

Professor Alun Davies, of the University's School of Biosciences, and Professor Nick Craddock, of the School of Medicine, have been elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

The Academy is an independent body, representing the whole spectrum of medical science. Forty of the UK's leading doctors and medical researchers have been elected Fellows this year, for excellence in medical science.

Professor Davies' work focuses on the developing nervous system at the cellular and molecular level. In particular, his team is investigating the factors that regulate the survival of nerve cells and the growth of neural processes during development.

Professor Davies said: "I was delighted to be elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences, which reflects the work of my whole research group. Together, we are building understanding of how the nervous system grows in its early stages, which has potential implications for tackling a variety of illnesses and disorders."

Professor Craddock has focussed on the investigation of the genetics of mood and psychotic disorders. In particular, his group is looking to use research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. His group is looking to identify the genes involved in the disorder and is trying to recruit some 6,000 people to the study.

Professor Craddock said: "It is very pleasing that the hard work of my research team has been recognized in this way. Election of psychiatrists as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences is important because it helps to increase the profile of research into, and reduce stigma against, mental illness."

The Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, Dr David Grant, welcomed the double success, saying: "I would like to congratulate Professor Davies and Professor Craddock on this recognition of their achievements. Fellowships of the Academy are among the most prestigious honours in Medical Science. The fact that Cardiff has received two Fellowships this year, for academics who are both working on different aspects of neuroscience research, underlines the University's world-leading strength in this field."

The two professors will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on June 22.