Lister Institute Chair John Iredale has been named in 2024’s New Year Honours List as a Knight Bachelor of the United Kingdom. John – who can now style himself Sir John – has been made a knight in recognition of his contribution to medical science over the course of his career.
As a clinical scientist, John has contributed to the field of inflammation research for more than 20 years. His research focuses on tissue regeneration and scarring. Notably, he advanced the medical field’s understanding of solid organ fibrosis, both in terms of its reversibility and the role macrophages play in the formation and resolution of tissue scarring.
He was also recognised for his role in developing and supporting early-career scientists, a passion that is reflected in his work at the Lister Institute.
“I am surprised and humbled by this extraordinary honour. I have had the good fortune to work in great UK universities, our NHS and had the opportunity to contribute to both the MRC and charitable sectors, including the Lister Institute,” John says.
“It has been hugely rewarding and exciting, but in all of these organisations, it has been my privilege to work with the most extraordinary teams and this award also recognises and reflects their outstanding work. Science is a team sport.”
John became our Chair in September 2022, having served on the Scientific Committee since 2013. He is committed to investing in the future of medical science, particularly during a period where finances may be challenging for researchers. He is also passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists through the Lister Summer Studentships programme.
In addition to his role as Chair of the Lister Institute, John is Professor of Medical Science at the University of Bristol and Chair of the Board of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute. He was previously Interim Executive Chair of the UKRI Medical Research Council (MRC), Director of the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research and a board member of the Francis Crick Institute, among other positions.
The title of Knight Bachelor is one of the country’s oldest honours, dating back 1,500 years.
