Four University of Bristol academics elected Fellows of the Royal Society

BRISTOL, 05-May-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — Four University of Bristol academics have achieved the rare distinction of being elected Fellows of the world’s most eminent and oldest scientific academy in continuous existence, the Royal Society.

Professor Sandu Popescu from the School of Physics, Professor Andrew Orr-Ewing from the School of Chemistry, Professor Tim Elliott from the School of Earth Sciences and Professor Stafford Lightman from the Centre for Synaptic Plasticity have been awarded the prestigious accolade for their outstanding contributions to science.

In total 50 distinguished scientists were elected as Fellows of the Royal Society and 10 as new Foreign Members.

The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering, and medicine.

The Society’s fundamental purpose, reflected in its founding Charters of the 1660s, is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.

University of Bristol Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Hugh Brady, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the election of four new Fellows to the Royal Society.

“This a well-deserved honour for four of Bristol’s most successful researchers who are not only at the cutting edge of discovery in their academic disciplines but also wonderful contributors to Bristol’s inspiring and stretching research-rich learning environment.”

Professor Tim Gallagher, Dean of Science at the University of Bristol, said: “This is terrific news and reflects, first and foremost, on the achievements of these people as individuals and as scientists.

“It also reflects on the environment we offer here in Bristol that allows great people to realise their potential.”

Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society, added: “Science is a great triumph of human achievement and has contributed hugely to the prosperity and health of our world.

“In the coming decades it will play an increasingly crucial role in tackling the great challenges of our time including food, energy, health and the environment.

“The new Fellows of the Royal Society have already contributed much to science and it gives me great pleasure to welcome them into our ranks.”

SOURCE: University of Bristol

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