Dundee scientist recognised with top international honour

Professor Doreen Cantrell, an immunologist at the University of Dundee’s Faculty of Life Sciences, has been elected to the US National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors in scientific research. Her work focuses on how signals from germs, food, and oxygen control immune cells to fight infection or disease, incorporating cutting-edge technology to advance the field. The election recognizes Cantrell’s lifetime contributions to original research, with only a small number of non-US academics admitted to the academy. Dundee now hosts two members, following Sir Philip Cohen’s election in 2008. Cohen praised Cantrell’s move to Dundee over 20 years ago, calling her election ‘richly deserved’ and noting she was previously elected to the UK’s Royal Society in 2011. Cantrell credited her achievements to 24 years of support from Wellcome, a global health-focused foundation. Wellcome has funded over £120 million in Dundee’s life sciences research in the past eight years, supporting both fundamental discovery science and drug development for neglected infectious diseases. The academy’s distinction underscores Cantrell’s role as one of Scotland’s leading scientists. With only seven Scottish academics elected as Foreign Associates in the 21st century, her election highlights Dundee’s growing reputation in immunology and life sciences research. Cantrell emphasized the importance of collaboration, thanking colleagues at Dundee and Wellcome for enabling her discoveries. Her work continues to push boundaries in understanding immune system regulation, contributing to global health advancements.