Scientist of distinction

15 April 2019

Professor Dame Kay Davies, Dr Lee’s Professor of Anatomy and Fellow at Hertford, has been recognised for the excellence of her research and the profound impact it has had, both in the scientific community and wider society.

The Biochemical Society’s Centenary Award is presented annually to a biochemist of distinction from anywhere in the world. As the 2020 recipient, and the first woman to be presented with the prestigious award, Professor Davies will be invited to give a keynote lecture at a conference next year and submit an article to one of the Society’s journals.

Kay discovered the protein utrophin in 1989, laying the foundations for her impressive career researching the genetic disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). She was elected to the Royal Society in 2003 and in 2008 was awarded a damehood in recognition of her services to science.

Speaking to the University’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kay said: “I feel humbled, honoured and delighted to have my work recognised in this way by the Biochemical Society. I am also very grateful to all the talented researchers I have had the privilege to work with over the years. This recognises not just me, but the clinicians, scientists and families that are working on the development of an effective therapy for DMD.”