Queen Mary Researchers Drive Healthcare Innovation in 2025 Global Rankings

With four of its researchers featured in the 2025 Research.com rankings, Queen Mary University of London has once again highlighted its international strength in research. Three eminent female researchers, Professors Frances Balkwill, Irene Leigh, and Claudia Langenberg of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, were once again chosen among the Best Female Scientists for the fourth consecutive year. The university’s continuous support and recognition of these scientists showcase its commitment to providing a platform for women to get into medical research and STEM fields across the UK. Professor Claudia Langenberg is the Director of the Precision Health University Research Institute. As a leader among women scientists, she will join the European Molecular Biology Organisation in 2024. Her work in health and genetics contributes to advancing healthcare strategies in the UK. With a background in public health, she collaborates with Barts Health NHS Trust, integrating genetic and clinical data to enhance health management and healthcare delivery.

Professor Frances Balkwill, a leading researcher at the Barts Cancer Institute, has made significant contributions to the understanding of cancer and inflammation. Her investigations into tumour growth and the function of cytokines have not only generated innovative concepts but have also paved the way for new clinical trials. Beyond her research, Professor Balkwill is dedicated to science communication, authoring children's science books and establishing the Centre of the Cell, an interactive science education centre. Her multifaceted work perfectly embodies the university's commitment to societal betterment through both research and education.

Professor Irene Leigh, a veteran of skin cancer and genomic medicine, was also recognised for her work in cell and molecular medicine. She founded the Centre for Cutaneous Research, now the world's leading centre for skin biology. Professor Leigh's work on squamous cell carcinogenesis and transcriptomic analysis informs the development of a new Centre of Excellence for Squamous Cancer within the Faculty. Her journey has had national honours, an OBE and CBE for medicine services, and the fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

In unison, the three professors expressed gratitude toward the honor and restated their joint ambition to mentor young women in science. They saw an opportunity to extend the pool of talent at Queen Mary and beyond while complementing the University's ambition of advancing the leadership of female scientists in the UK. They were also joined on the 2025 list by Dr Yang from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Rising Star of Science. His work on machine learning in healthcare and finance has received international acclaim, particularly for its applications in genetic medicine and medical AI fairness. With an h-index of 51 and more than 22,000 citations, his work in medical data science continues to drive the field. Dr Yang went on to say that the recognition has sustained him in pursuing research genuinely impacting people's lives, which lies well within Queen Mary's larger goal concerning awards and innovations.

Those honours demonstrate the rising influence of Queen Mary University in global scientific rankings and its commitment to research excellence. The university's range of achievements in genomics, cancer biology, and machine learning for medical genetics continues to support public health innovation, raise the profile of UK scientists internationally, and deserving of listing in 2025 Research.com, an award that commemorates not only individual achievement but an institutional commitment from Queen Mary to science development internationally, with an enhancement of the stature of women in academia foremost in view.

Editor's Note :

Queen Mary University of London has again demonstrated its prowess in international research, with four of its researchers being identified in the 2025 Research.com rankings. Two professors were recognised for their outstanding career achievements. The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Professors Frances Balkwill, Irene Leigh, and Claudia Langenberg were included among the Best Female Scientists for the fourth consecutive year. Their recognition is a testament to the university's continued commitment to female representation in STEM in the UK and the advancement of women in medical research in the UK. Professor Claudia Langenberg's research on genomics and public health innovation has continued to influence precision healthcare by developing cross-faculty collaboration and integration of clinical and genetic information. Professor Frances Balkwill was recognised for her ground-breaking cancer biology and inflammation research and her long-standing commitment to public engagement through science communication. Professor Irene Leigh, at the forefront of skin cancer and genomic medicine, was celebrated for her seminal contributions in cutaneous research and for spearheading the establishment of a new Centre of Excellence for Squamous Cancer. This group of scientists, together with Dr Yongxin Yang of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a Rising Star of Science 2025 awardee, are going to write new chapters in the field of science and innovation.

As per Skoobuzz, Queen Mary stands as a leading institution in research and a model of inclusive scientific excellence. Its achievement enshrines its reputation as a champion in public health innovation, global rankings, and the advancement of women in science.

FAQs

1. Who are the Best Female Scientists of 2025 from Queen Mary University? 

Professors Frances Balkwill, Irene Leigh, and Claudia Langenberg from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry were named among the Best Female Scientists of 2025. Their recognition reflects Queen Mary’s commitment to advancing women in medical research and promoting female representation in STEM.

2. What is the Rising Star of Science award 2025?

The Rising Star of Science award highlights emerging researchers whose work shows exceptional promise. In 2025, Dr Yongxin Yang from Queen Mary’s Faculty of Science and Engineering received this honour for his contributions to machine learning in healthcare and finance.

3. How does Queen Mary University support female scientists?

Queen Mary supports female scientists through inclusive research environments, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and institutional recognition. The university actively promotes gender equity and encourages women to pursue careers in science and academia.

4. What are Professor Frances Balkwill’s key research achievements?

Professor Balkwill is known for her research on the tumour microenvironment and cancer-related inflammation. Her work on cytokines has led to clinical trials. She also promotes science education through children’s books and the Centre of the Cell outreach initiative.

5. What is Professor Claudia Langenberg’s area of expertise?

Professor Langenberg specialises in precision health and genomics. Her research focuses on the genetic basis of metabolic control and its impact on public health. She leads cross-disciplinary collaborations to improve healthcare outcomes.

6. How has Professor Irene Leigh contributed to cancer research?

Professor Leigh has made major contributions to skin cancer and genetic skin disease research. She founded the Centre for Cutaneous Research and led the CRUK skin tumour laboratory. Her work continues to shape genomic approaches to squamous cell cancer.

7. What is the focus of Dr Yongxin Yang’s machine learning research?

Dr Yang’s research focuses on machine learning techniques such as transfer learning and fairness in medical AI. He applies these methods to medical genetics and financial modelling to improve decision-making and equity in healthcare.

8. How are Queen Mary researchers advancing healthcare innovation?

Queen Mary researchers are driving healthcare innovation through interdisciplinary work in genomics, cancer biology, public health, and data science. Their research supports early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and improved health outcomes.

9. What makes Queen Mary a leader in medical and scientific research?

Queen Mary leads in medical and scientific research through strong academic leadership, strategic partnerships, and impactful research. Its institutes foster collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and policymakers to deliver real-world benefits.

10. How are women scientists inspiring the next generation in STEM?

Women scientists at Queen Mary inspire future generations through their achievements, mentorship, and public engagement. Their leadership and inclusive approach encourage young women to pursue careers in science and contribute to the future of STEM.