Dundee scientist honoured for revolutionary research breakthroughs

Professor Alessio Ciulli, founder and Director of the University’s Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (CeTPD), has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, one of the UK’s most prestigious scientific honours. He is among 60 new Fellows selected for their exceptional contributions to advancing medical science and delivering benefits to patients and society.

Professor Ciulli is one of the founding architects of targeted protein degradation (TPD) — a transformative approach in drug discovery that repurposes the cell’s own waste disposal machinery to destroy disease-causing proteins. 

Unlike traditional drugs that merely suppress the activity of a harmful protein, degraders eliminate it entirely, opening the possibility of tackling diseases that were previously considered untreatable. The approach holds promise across a broad range of conditions, from cancer and neurodegenerative diseases to inflammation and beyond.

Professor Ciulli’s vision has shaped not only the science but the ecosystem around it. He established CeTPD in Dundee as a leading international hub for innovation, discovery and training in the field. 

He has also been a pioneer in reimagining how academia and industry collaborate, exemplified by his long-standing partnership with pharmaceutical companies and his role as biotech founder and entrepreneur, a model that is helping accelerate the translation of fundamental discoveries into medicines.

This recognition from the Academy of Medical Sciences comes at a landmark moment for TPD, with the very first drug to work through the protein degradation mechanism having received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cancer. It is a milestone that validates years of foundational research and signals the dawn of an entirely new era in medicine.

“To be named a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences is a great honour,” said Professor Ciulli. “This recognition is a testament to the work conducted with my research group over many years, and its relevance and impact to the development of a fundamentally new type of medicines.

“It is fitting that the very first drug that works via the mechanism we contributed to reveal and design for has just recently been approved by the FDA. This heralds a very bright future for the field of TPD. 

“We have only scratched the surface of what is possible with our science. Through our research we will continue in our mission to bring hope to patients affected by cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and a range of other illnesses.”

Dr Paul Davies, Vice-Principal, Faculty of Life Sciences, said, “Election to the National Academy of Sciences is a significant honour.

“This well-deserved recognition reflects Professor Ciulli’s outstanding contributions to TPD and reinforces the University of Dundee’s esteemed global reputation in research and innovation. His insight and leadership will continue to inspire impactful discoveries that benefit both our academic community and society at large.”

Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said, “It is a privilege to welcome this outstanding new cohort to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Each of our new Fellows has been recognised by their peers for exceptional achievement for the influence their work has had in advancing medical science and improving health.”

Professor Ciulli and the other new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Tuesday 30 June.