Professor Li Chan named winner of 2024 European Journal of Endocrinology Award

The annual award is presented to a candidate who has significantly contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field of endocrinology through publication.

The award comes as a response to Professor Chan’s world-class research into the biology of melanocortins and their accessory proteins, the development of small molecule antagonists for ACTH excess, and her development of a new research direction investigating obesity and diabetes in individuals with Down Syndrome.

She is also a champion for women in science has mentored colleagues and the next generation of scientists in collaboration with the Academy of Medical Sciences UK. She holds key leadership roles supporting the academic endocrine community, including co-leading the Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) for Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Life-Long Health Multidisciplinary Programme at Queen Mary, and is co-director of a UK Ageing network CELLO. Professor Chan is Senior Editor of ESE’s journal Endocrine Connections and plays active leading roles in several paediatric and endocrine societies.

She has received many other awards and prizes, including the Starling Medal 2023 for scientific excellence in Endocrinology.

Professor Chan said: "I am truly honoured to have been awarded the 2024 EJE award and proud to have made a small contribution to scientific knowledge that has been recognized. I am following in the footsteps of many giants in the field of endocrinology who have previously received this award, so I have many big shoes to fill!"

Professor Chan will join other ESE Award winners at ESE’s annual Congress, the European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) 2024, which will be held in Stockholm, Sweden from 11-14 May 2024, where she will be delivering a plenary lecture during the opening session.