Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Many congratulations to Professor Sir David Weatherall, who was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE). This is the highest rank in the Order of the British Empire, an honour only bestowed 16 times since 2000.

David Weatherall is a haematologist and clinical researcher whose research has focused on the genetics of blood disorders affecting haemoglobin, particularly thalassaemia. He was the first to describe thalassaemia outside the Mediterranean and his work has led to the eradication of the disease in some parts of the world. Through his work on thalassaemia, David demonstrated for the first time that a gene deletion could cause a human disease. He developed new methods for analysing haemoglobin and measuring the synthesis of alpha- and beta-haemoglobin chains. This provided the first clear evidence of how thalassaemia arises. In addition, David’s work made possible the detection of thalassaemia early in pregnancy, enabling antenatal diagnosis. His characterisation of the mutations causing thalassaemia led to numerous families being offered genetic counselling.

David has won numerous awards, including the Lasker Prize (which ranks alongside the Nobel Prize for Medicine) and was knighted in 1987. This latest honour also recognises his role in establishing in 1989 the first Institute of Molecular Medicine in the UK (now named the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine in his honour) and in developing the WHO consensus for diagnosing and managing genetic disease, with a global impact.

The announcement was made at the Queen's Birthday Honours earlier in the year, and the investiture ceremony took place at Windsor Castle on the 8th of December.

Similar stories

T cell Immunotherapy animation launched

A new animation explores work by the Chakraverty Group, Vyas Group, and Professor Borrow from the Jenner Institute.

Irene Roberts delivers Ham-Wasserman Lecture

Presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, the award and lectureship recognises individuals from outside the United States who have made significant contributions to Haematology.

Asger Jakobsen receives ASH-BSH Abstract Achievement Award

Dr Jakobsen, a Clinical Research Fellow and DPhil student from the Vyas Group has received the award from the American Society of Hematology and the British Society of Haematology.

Nucleome Therapeutics raises oversubscribed £37.5 million Series A financing

The biotechnology company builds upon research conducted by Professor Jim Hughes and Prof. James Davies at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, and combines 3D genome technology and machine learning to decode the dark matter of the human genome.

KJ Patel appointed new Chief Scientist of CRUK

Alongside his new role at Cancer Research UK, Prof. Patel will continue as the Director of both the MRC Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine (MRC WIMM) and the MRC Molecular Haematology Unit (MRC MHU).