Imperial anaesthetics expert elected Fellow of the Royal Society

Professor Nicholas Franks recognised for revolutionising our fundamental understanding of the action of general anaesthetics - News

by Simon Levey
20 May 2011

Imperial College London's Professor Nicholas Franks has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his contribution to our understanding of general anaesthetics, it is announced today.

The Royal Society is the UK's national academy of science. Fellowships are awarded in international recognition of 'contributions to science, both in fundamental research resulting in greater understanding, and also in leading and directing scientific and technological progress in industry and research establishments.'

Professor Franks joins the ranks of 66 other Imperial College London staff or associates who have already earned the right to use the letters FRS after their names.

Nick Franks is Professor of Biophysics and Anaesthetics and head of Imperial's Division of Cell and Molecular Biology. According to the Royal Society, his contributions to his field are unique in their breadth and impact. His work has revolutionised our fundamental understanding of the action of general anaesthetics, one of the most medically important classes of drug, which are used during surgical procedures to cause a reversible loss of consciousness.

Professor Franks's work has provided a clearer understanding of how anaesthetics act at the molecular level and on networks of neurons

Professor Franks' seminal research has provided a clearer understanding of how anaesthetics act at the molecular level and on networks of neurons, by demonstrating that anaesthetics interact with a small number of neuronal protein targets. He has led the field in identifying these relevant ion channels and receptors. His work should help scientists develop new and more selective anaesthetic drugs.

Professor Franks said: "I'm delighted and honoured to have been elected to the Royal Society. It's great that our work here at Imperial on anaesthetic mechanisms has been recognised in this way and I am enormously indebted to many colleagues I've worked with over the years, but particularly my longstanding collaborator, Bill Lieb. I'm also extremely grateful to the Medical Research Council for their long-term support. Anaesthetics are amongst the most widely used drugs in clinical practice and it’s nice to have made some contribution towards understanding how they work."

Professor Franks is also Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal College of Anaesthetists and amongst other awards, he was awarded the Gold Medal by the Royal College of Anaesthetists in 2004.  This year he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Montreal.

Joining Professor Franks as a newly-elected Fellow is former Head of Medicine at Imperial, and current Director of the Wellcome Trust, Professor Sir Mark Walport, who is also a Fellow of the College. During his time at Imperial, Professor Walport led a research team focused on the immunology and genetics of rheumatic diseases. He is recognised by the Royal Society for his distinguished research career in immunology; his national and international leadership at the highest level on biomedical research and policy issues; and for being a world leader in the promotion of biomedical science.

Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society said: "It is a true pleasure to welcome this year's new Fellows to the Royal Society. They join the ranks of the UK and Commonwealth’s leading scientists, counting themselves among early Fellows such as Isaac Newton, Robert Boyle and Charles Darwin. The Society aims to expand the frontiers of knowledge by championing the development and use of science, mathematics, engineering and medicine for the benefit of humanity and the good of the planet. It is the contribution of excellent individuals such as these which makes this possible."

-ends-

The image of the Royal Society's Charter Book is published with the kind permission of the Royal Society