Queen Mary academics elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences

The Academy’s Fellowship includes some of the most influential biomedical and health scientists nationally and internationally. Included in this year’s list are Professor Louise Jones and Professor Andrew Prendergast, two leading academics from Queen Mary’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. 

Professor Louise Jones, based at Queen Mary’s Barts Cancer Institute and an Honorary Consultant Histopathologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, has been recognised for her pioneering work in breast pathology, cancer genomics and precision medicine. Her research and leadership have helped shape the integration of molecular diagnostics and artificial intelligence into modern pathology practice across the UK. 

As Chief Scientific Officer of PharosAI, Professor Jones is helping lead a major national initiative that combines NHS health data, genomic sequencing and imaging technologies to accelerate advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment. She previously played a key role in the 100,000 Genomes Project as Lead for Molecular Pathology at Genomics England and co-leads the Breast Cancer Now Biobank, one of the UK’s most significant breast cancer research resources. 

Her research team at Queen Mary’s Barts Cancer Institute focuses on ductal carcinoma in situ, an early stage of breast cancer, with the aim of identifying who is most likely to benefit from treatment and who may safely avoid unnecessary procedures. 

On her appointment, Professor Jones said: “I feel honoured to become part of such a prestigious society. The Academy of Medical Sciences represents expertise, excellence and integrity in biomedical science, and has a reach that extends across medicine and society. These are all things I value deeply in my profession. 

“Clinical diagnostics is undergoing a massive transformation. Personalised treatment, guided by molecular profiling, is becoming the norm, while molecular technologies and AI are developing rapidly. The Academy brings together experts, patients and the public to influence policy and achieve change. This is the only way these huge advances will translate into clinical impact, and I look forward to being part of that.” 

Professor Andrew Prendergast, based at Queen Mary’s Blizard Institute, has built an international reputation for his work on paediatric infection, immunity and nutrition, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. His research has contributed significantly to understanding how infections, malnutrition and immune development affect child health outcomes in vulnerable populations. 

After graduating from Cambridge and Imperial College, Professor Prendergast completed specialist paediatric training in London before undertaking doctoral research at Oxford focused on paediatric HIV infection. His work has since spanned clinical research and trials across Africa, including collaborations in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He joined Queen Mary as Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Infection and Immunity and was later awarded a Wellcome Trust Senior Clinical Fellowship. 

He now divides his time between London and Zimbabwe, continuing research aimed at improving the survival and long-term health of children affected by infectious diseases and undernutrition. 

Professor Prendergast said:  

“I’m honoured to have been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This is really a reflection of team science with my amazing colleagues in the UK and Zimbabwe, where we have formed a true partnership over the past 15 years in our goal to help children survive and thrive through research.” 

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Vice President for Health at Queen Mary, said:  

“We are absolutely delighted that Professors Louise Jones and Andrew Prendergast have been elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This is a richly deserved recognition of two exceptional researchers whose work is improving lives both in the UK and globally. 

“Professor Louise Jones has made an outstanding contribution to cancer research and precision medicine, helping to advance our understanding of tumour biology and improve the future of personalised care for patients.  

“Professor Andrew Prendergast’s internationally recognised work in child health, infection and nutrition has transformed understanding of how to help vulnerable children survive and thrive, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. 

“Their election reflects not only their individual achievements, but also Queen Mary’s deep commitment to research that tackles some of the most urgent health challenges facing society today. We are immensely proud to celebrate this achievement with them.”