Its mission is to advance biomedical and health research and its translation into benefits for society.[4] The academy consists of a group of around 1200 Fellows elected from fields across the biomedical sciences. The academy seeks ultimately to advance medical science and improve health by investing in talented researchers, engaging people on health-related issues and providing expert impartial advice. As of April 2024[update] its president is Dame Anne Johnson.[5]
The academy was established in 1998 following the recommendations of a working group chaired by Michael Atiyah, former president of the Royal Society.[6] A single national organisation was formed to support biomedical scientists and clinical academics working together to promote advances in medical science. It is one of the four learned academies in the United Kingdom, with the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering and British Academy.[7] The intention of the founders was to create a national resource outside the framework of Government, with the expertise and authority to deal with scientific and societal aspects of public policy issues in healthcare.[8]
The formation of the academy occurred against a backdrop of increasing fragmentation and specialisation within the medical profession.[9] The academy merged with the Novartis Foundation in 2008, and moved to a dedicated headquarters building at 41 Portland Place in October 2010.[10] This building provides office space for its 39 members of staff, and has rooms for events and conferences.[11]
Areas of policy work originate from within the Academy Council and wider Fellowship, and in response to consultations from the government, Parliament and other relevant bodies. As of 2017[update] work included reports on improving public health by 2040, using animals in research, diabetes and obesity, the use of data in medical research and the use of non-human primates in research.
The academy's National Mentoring and Outreach Scheme was established in 2002 and is supported by the UK Department of Health, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and NHS Education for Scotland. The programme provides one-to-one mentoring by Academy Fellows for Clinical Lecturers and Clinician Scientist Fellows. It also offers activities for Academic Clinical Fellows, Clinical Training Fellows and MB PhD students.
The academy's funding schemes focus on areas of specific and specialist need, addressing perceived shortages within key speciality areas, and international collaboration. Schemes include Clinician Scientist Fellowships, Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers and UK/Middle East Exchange Fellowships.
The academy's FORUM brings together biomedical scientists from academia and industry.[13] As well as hosting its own conferences and events [14] the academy has made its headquarters at 41 Portland Place available on a private hire basis for industry and commercial events and conferences.[15]
As of April 2024[update], the academy has 1416 Ordinary Fellows[1] drawn from fundamental biological sciences, clinical academic medicine, public and population health, health technology implementation, veterinary science, dentistry, medical and nursing care and other professions allied to medical science as well as the basic fundamental mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, ethics, social science and the law. The Fellowship represents a national resource in medical science, offering their time and expertise to support the academy's work.[16]
Up to 48 new Fellows are elected to the academy each year.[17] Eight Sectional Committees spanning the range of medical sciences scrutinise candidates and make recommendations to Council for election.[17] Becoming a Fellow indicates that the academy judges individuals to have made "outstanding contributions...to the progress of medical science and the development of better healthcare".[18] Election is often described as "prestigious".[19][20]
The Academy of Medical Sciences presents numerous awards and lectures and medals to recognise significant achievements within the field of medical science.[21]
