A Queen Mary academic has been awarded a prestigious British Science Association Fellowship in recognition for her dedication to communicating science.
Professor Fran Balkwill leads the Centre for Cancer and Inflammation at the Medical School and is also Director of the recently-opened Centre of the Cell.
The Centre of the Cell is a unique children’s science education centre that offers children and teenagers a fascinating insight into what scientists actually do and how their work influences real life, through a series of exciting interactive games.
Professor Balkwill has overseen the creation, development and opening of the centre, which took place in September. She works with a dedicated team who ensure that visitors become engaged with science in a way that’s meaningful and fun.
She said: “I am very excited about the recognition of all our work at the Centre of the Cell – its not just me but a fantastic team - and it was awesome to get the Fellowship at the same time as Bill Bryson was given one.”
In previous years Professor Balkwill has been the recipient of an OBE, as well as the EMBO Award for Communications, and the Royal Society Michael Faraday prize.
The British Science Association is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the Association organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual British Science Festival, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges.
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