Professor Rob Taylor, Scientific Director of the NEY Genomic Laboratory Hub and Head of the Mitochondrial Diagnostic Laboratory in Newcastle, has been awarded a Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Rob is one of two leading Newcastle University academics elected to the Fellowship. He and Professor Clare Bambra were honoured for their impactful research and contributions to benefit patients and improve public health. Rob, a specialist in mitochondrial pathology, uses biochemical, genomic, and cell biology tools to diagnose and understand human mitochondrial disorders—conditions that affect how cells produce energy and can impact almost any organ. His research focuses on uncovering disease mechanisms to improve diagnosis, guide treatment, and provide accurate genetic advice.
Professor Taylor said: “Newcastle University has a long and proud history of mitochondrial research excellence, standing on the shoulders of many excellent scientists and clinicians who have set the standard for the current team at Newcastle.
“I’m thrilled to be honoured by this award, which reflects the dedication and expertise of all my academic and NHS colleagues in the Mitochondrial Research Group, who care for patients and families with mitochondrial disease.
“Our teams work tirelessly to enhance the diagnosis of these conditions and determine underlying biological disease mechanisms to support our quest for curative treatments.”
More than 50 exceptional biomedical and health scientists were elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences prestigious Fellowship.
Professor Andrew Morris, CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, 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.”
A ceremony will be held on 9 July 2025 to formally admit Fellows to the Academy.