Ruth Ley elected Fellow of the Royal Society

 

The Royal Society has elected Ruth Ley, Director of the Department of Microbiome Science at the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, as a Fellow in recognition of her achievements in the field of microbiome science. Fellows are elected for life through a peer review process on the basis of their excellence in science.

 

Ruth Ley said: “I am honoured to be elected as Fellow of the Royal Society. This recognition is not only a reflection of my own work: it also recognizes the work of the many wonderfully talented lab members and colleagues that I have had the pleasure of working with.”

The Royal Society is the oldest academic society in continuous existence, tracing its origins back to the 1660s. Its mission is to recognise, promote and support scientific excellence, and encourages the development and use of science to benefit the medical, economic, social and cultural wellbeing of humanity.

Ley is one of over 90 researchers from around the world to receive this honour this year.  Candidates for Fellowships must be nominated by two existing Fellows and have made “a substantial contribution to the improvement of natural knowledge, including mathematics, engineering science and medical science”.

Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said: “I am delighted to welcome this newest group of exceptional scientists to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. Their contributions reflect the highest standards of scientific endeavour. Our Fellowship is strengthened not only by individual distinction, but by the diversity of perspectives and experiences its members bring. This incoming cohort highlights the truly international character of contemporary science and underscores the vital role that plays in achieving breakthroughs that benefit us all.”