A Professor at the University of Strathclyde has been elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (LSW).

Professor Gwyn Gould, of Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, is among 56 new Fellows, alongside four Honorary Fellows, to be named by the Society, which aims “to promote and develop Wales’ research and innovation community, and to support the use of excellent and diverse research to solve the challenges faced in Wales and across the world.”

Professor Gould, who has been active in science for more than 40 years, specialises in the transport of glucose into cells and its role in health and disease.

Expertise and leadership

The Fellows are elected to LSW for their expertise and experience, and their research and knowledge leadership. The combined strength of the Fellowship helps the Society meet its charitable aim to advance the use of research and innovation for the benefit of Wales’ economy and society.

Professor Gould, who is originally from Argoed, Gwent, said: “Wales played a major formative role in my educational development, so as a proud Welshman, I am delighted to be elected as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.

My research group exploits the wide array of imaging from single molecules to whole tissue-imaging enabled within Strathclyde, underpinned by the collegiality across departments and faculties which makes Strathclyde unique.

Professor Gould took his Biochemistry degree and PhD at the University of Southampton. His interest in glucose transport developed while he was working at Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire and continued following his move to the University of Glasgow in 1989. 

Professor Gould moved with his research lab to Strathclyde in 2019. The lab focuses on the control of glucose transporters and how this is disturbed in diabetes and cardiovascular disease, areas of public health which concern both Wales and Scotland.

LSW President Professor Hywel Thomas said: “We face a huge number of challenges, from climate change to political turmoil to emerging health threats. The answer to so many of these problems will be found in research and robust civic institutions; that expertise is evident in our new Fellows. I’m delighted to welcome them to the Learned Society of Wales.”