We are delighted at the news that Professors Tim Coulson, Stuart West, and Kathy Willis have been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences, alongside other outstanding researchers from across the world, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to advancing scientific knowledge.
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. Whether advancing our understanding of vaccines or exploring the transformative potential of mathematics and computation, their work exemplifies the enduring value of curiosity, creativity and rigorous inquiry.
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.”
Tim Coulson
Tim’s research focuses on what happens to ecosystems and the species within them when apex predator numbers are altered. His work aims to understand why ecological and evolutionary changes happen when predator numbers change, and what these changes might mean for ecosystems. Tim says:
“I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This recognition reflects the work of many extraordinary students, post-docs, and colleagues at Oxford and beyond, with whom I have had the good fortune to collaborate. I have loved science for as long as I can remember, and it is a privilege to have a career in academia. Being elected FRS is the icing on the cake.”
Stuart West
Stu’s research focuses on the evolution of social behaviours such as cooperation, altruism, spite, and mutualism across kingdoms of life, for example in bacteria and social insects. His work aims to understand how these behaviours can influence major evolutionary transitions. Stu says:
“I am hugely delighted to receive this honour from the Royal Society, and I owe a great deal to the brilliant collaborators I have been fortunate enough to work with.”
Kathy Willis
Kathy’s research focuses on how plant biodiversity responds to climate change and other environmental drivers, the distribution of critical ecosystem services that we obtain from nature, and the relationship between biodiversity and human health. Kathy says:
“I am delighted and honoured to receive this recognition from one of the world’s leading scientific institutions.”
To read more about all the new Oxford Fellows, visit: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-05-26-12-oxford-scientists-elected-fellows-of-the-royal-society
To read more about all the new Royal Society Fellows, visit: https://royalsociety.org/news/2026/05/new-fellows-announcement-2026/
