RVC’s Professor Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

This news piece was originally published by Royal Veterinary College. 

Professor Joanne P. Webster FMedSci, Professor of Parasitic Diseases at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) for her considerable contributions to excellence in science. Upon her election, Professor Webster joins a community of internationally renowned scientists who have also been awarded the FRS since 1663. She is one of a select few RVC staff who have received this honour.

The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship comprised of ‘the world’s most eminent scientists, engineers and technologists’ who are elected for life through a peer review process based on their ‘substantial contribution to the improvement of natural knowledge’.

Professor Webster is an internationally acclaimed infectious disease expert. She is known for her efforts promoting a One Health approach, which recognises and embraces the interdependence of humans, animals, plants and ecosystems.

After completing her doctoral research at the University of Oxford on zoonotic diseases and parasite-host interactions, she held roles as an NHS Clinical Scientist and then returned to Oxford as a Lecturer in Infectious Diseases and Royal Society University Research Fellow. She also co-founded the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative at Imperial College, delivering life-changing treatments to millions of children across sub-Saharan Africa.

Professor Webster’s contributions to parasitology and global health have earned widespread recognition, including the CA Wright Medal, Chalmers Memorial Medal and the Royal Society’s Leeuwenhoek Medal and Lecture for her pioneering work in disease control across Asia and Africa. In 2022, she was elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci).

In addition to her role at the RVC, Professor Webster is also Director of the London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Professor in Infectious Diseases at Imperial College London’s Faculty of Medicine, and on the Board of Trustees of Fauna and Flora International.

Professor Joanne Webster FMedSci, FRS, Professor of Parasitic Disease at the RVC, said:

“I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists. It is particularly wonderful to have the amazing world of parasites so appreciated.”

I am extremely grateful to all the colleagues, students, and mentors I have worked with and been so inspired by over the years – this is very much in recognition of all.”

Professor Stuart Reid, President & Principal at the Royal Veterinary College, said:

“I am delighted Joanne has been recognised for her important work and her contributions to science. There is no doubt that through her efforts and leadership, her research has contributed enormously to the global One Health agenda and the interface between animal and human health. The RVC is both fortunate and proud to call her one of our own.”