We're delighted to announce Dr Ruth Bowness is among the first members of the new UK Young Academy.

Members are selected from across the UK, bringing together emerging leaders in their field. The network connects and develops individuals starting in their careers, working together to make a difference.

As part of the first cohort of 67 members, individuals will help shape the strategy and focus of the Academy with their own skills and experiences.

Based in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Ruth is exploring the mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. Using differential equations, she can mimic disease progression and simulate novel treatment strategies. She's currently concentrating on tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2.

She joins fellow members across academia, charitable organisations and the private sector. Together they will share skills, knowledge and experiences to find innovative solutions to society's present and future challenges.

The UK Young Academy has been established as an interdisciplinary collaboration with prestigious national academies: the Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy, Learned Society of Wales, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Irish Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society. It joins the global initiative of Young Academies, with the UK Young Academy becoming the 50th to join the Young Academy movement.

Successful applicants officially took up their posts on 1 January 2023, and membership runs for 5 years. It's expected the next call for applications will open in 2023.