ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ

 Published: 20 May 2025 | Last Updated: 20 May 2025 11:20:20

Professor Joanne P. Webster FMedSci, Professor of Parasitic Diseases at the ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ (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 ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ, 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 ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ is both fortunate and proud to call her one of our own.”

Notes to Editors 

For media enquiries, please contact: 

• Jasmin De Vivo jasmin.devivo@plmr.co.uk or rvc@plmr.co.uk
• Press Line: 0800 368 9520 

ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ the RVC

• The ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London. 
• It is one of the few veterinary schools in the world that hold accreditations from the RCVS in the UK (with associated recognition from the AVBC for Australasia, the VCI for Ireland and the SAVC for South Africa), the EAEVE in the EU, and AVMA (probationary) in the USA and Canada. 
• The ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ is ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2025. 
• The ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences. 
• The ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ is a research-led institution, with 88% of its research rated as internationally excellent or world class in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. 
• The ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire.