Researchers from the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences have received national recognition for their outstanding contribution to their respective fields.
Professor David Horn, who has made a transformative contribution to global efforts to overcome neglected tropical diseases, and Professor Inke Näthke, an expert in colorectal cancer and a force in driving improvements in research culture, have been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
They are among the 54 new Fellows who have been selected for their remarkable contributions to advancing medical science, groundbreaking research discoveries and translating developments into benefits for patients and the wider public.
Professor Horn is Chair of Parasite Molecular Biology at Dundee. After obtaining his PhD from University College London, he worked at Rockefeller University in the United States then London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine before joining Dundee in 2013.
He is a world authority on tropical parasitic diseases. His research aims to understand the genetics and molecular biology of the parasites behind African Sleeping Sickness, Chagas’ disease and leishmaniasis, with the aim of finding potential drugs to treat them. These neglected tropical diseases affect millions of the world's poorest people.
Professor Horn said, “I am delighted and really grateful to receive this honour from the Academy of Medical Sciences, and to see our work recognised in this way. My gratitude also goes to those superb teams of researchers and technologists that I’ve been so very fortunate to work with, both in Dundee and through collaboration, over many years.”
Professor Näthke obtained her PhD at the University of California, San Franciso then carried out postdoctoral work at Stanford and Harvard. She joined Dundee in 1998 and holds the title of Professor of Epithelial Biology.
Her research aims to understand the earliest changes accompanying tumour formation and inflammation in the intestinal tract, with the goal of developing improved diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Professor Näthke’s leadership in improving research culture reflects her deep commitment to diverse, inclusive research communities that deliver the best for society.
Professor Näthke said, “Being elected to the Academy is an immense honour. I am delighted to become a Fellow and look forward to sharing experience and expertise and work together with others in the Academy to support biomedical research.”
The Dundee researchers join an esteemed Fellowship of 1,450 researchers who are at the heart of the Academy’s work, which includes nurturing the next generation of scientists and shaping research and health policy in the UK and worldwide.
The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Wednesday 9 July 2025.
Professor Andrew Morris, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences and former Dean of Medicine at Dundee., said, “It is a privilege to welcome these 54 exceptional scientists to our Fellowship. Each new Fellow brings unique expertise and perspective to addressing the most significant health challenges facing society.
“Their election comes at a crucial time when scientific excellence and collaboration across disciplines are essential for addressing global health challenges both now and in the future. We look forward to working with them to advance biomedical research and create an environment where the best science can flourish for the benefit of people everywhere.”