Four Systems Immunity Research Institute academics elected to Learned Society of Wales

The Learned Society of Wales has named four academics from SIURI, out of a total of 11 from Cardiff University among their newly elected Fellows.

Forty-eight new Fellows have joined the Learned Society of Wales this year from across the arts, humanities, sciences, and beyond. Each new Fellow has contributed to the world of learning as researchers, academics, and professionals - and all come with a strong connection to Wales.

The new SIURI Learned Society of Wales fellows are:

Simon has pioneered studies of inflammation and the control of the immune system by specialised proteins known as cytokines. His research has improved understanding of how cytokines work in health and disease, and has led to discoveries important for the diagnosis, classification and treatment of patients with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Ian is an internationally established figure who has undertaken research, development and manufacturing of novel biochemical diagnostic tests for human disease for over thirty years in academic, NHS and commercial environments. Technologies of which he is an inventor have been licensed and used by global companies as the basis of in vitro clinical diagnostic tests, many hundreds of millions of which are used annually worldwide.

Susan is internationally recognised for her work on the immune cells involved in the attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in type 1 diabetes. Her research has helped understanding of the processes that lead to the development of type 1 diabetes and how some of these may be used to develop immune therapies for this condition in the future.

Bernhard pioneered the discovery of specialised proteins in the bloodstream called chemokines, and their receptors present on immune cells.  These proteins are essential for directing the traffic of immune cells throughout our body in health and disease. Bernhard’s discoveries have led to new insights into how our immune system fights infectious diseases and how it maintains tissue health

Election to the Fellowship is a public recognition of excellence, is keenly competed, and takes place following a rigorous examination of each nominee’s achievements in their relevant field(s).

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, President of the Learned Society of Wales, said:

“I am delighted to welcome 48 new Fellows to the Society. Their election recognises their individual achievements and additions to the world of learning and I am pleased that they encompass such a range of research disciplines and beyond. The addition of these new Fellows will strength our capacity to champion excellence across all areas of academic and public life in Wales and abroad.”

Established in 2010, the Learned Society of Wales uses the knowledge of its experts to promote research, inspire learning, and provide independent policy advice. The yearly addition of new Fellows aids the Society in achieving these aims.

The 2019 election is the ninth in a rolling process towards the building of a strong, representative Fellowship. The Society’s continuing focus on excellence and achievement will ensure that the Fellowship represents the very best of learning that Wales has to offer.