Press release
Dundee scientist recognised with top international honour
A pioneering University of Dundee academic has received international recognition after being elected to one of the world’s foremost scientific institutions.
Published on 11 May 2026
Professor Doreen Cantrell, an immunologist based at Dundee’s Faculty of Life Sciences, has been elected to the US-based National Academy of Sciences – widely regarded as one of the highest professional honours a scientist can receive.
Professor Cantrell has been recognised for her outstanding research on the regulation of the immune system. Her work has embraced cutting-edge technology, demonstrating how signals from germs, food, and oxygen control immune cells to help them fight infection or disease.
Professor Cantrell said, "To be elected to the National Academy of Sciences is a tremendous honour. As a scientist, I have always endeavoured to push boundaries but none of my work would have been possible without the support, inspiration and collaborative spirit of life sciences colleagues at Dundee.
“I must also thank Wellcome, a global foundation that funds discovery science to address health challenges. Their continued support over 24 years has made possible my discoveries in Dundee and have been integral to supporting life sciences at the University, awarding over £120 million in the last eight years alone, for fundamental discovery science and for drug discovery for neglected infectious diseases.”
Election to the National Academy of Sciences is one of the highest distinctions in science, reflecting a lifetime of achievement in original research. Only a small selection of non-US academics are elected to the body, with Professor Cantrell’s admission meaning that Dundee is now proud to host two members.
Celebrated Dundee biochemist Professor Sir Philip Cohen, who was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 2008, congratulated Professor Cantrell on her election, adding, “I am so pleased that I managed to convince Doreen to move from London to Dundee over 20 years ago.
“Since her move, Doreen has carried out some fantastic research leading first to her election to the Royal Society in 2011, the UK’s National Academy of Sciences, and now to the US National Academy of Sciences.
“This is richly deserved recognition for one of Scotland’s foremost scientists. As far as I can see, only seven academics working in Scotland have been elected Foreign Associates of the US National Academy of Sciences during the 21st century.”