Professor Ashley Moffett, CMG FRS (NC 1967) has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society
Newnham is delighted to hear that Professor Ashley Moffett, CMG FRS (NC 1967) has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the highest honours in science, along with six other Cambridge academics.
Professor Moffett is an alumna of Newnham where she studied Medical Sciences and Clinical Science; she is Emerita Professor of Reproductive Immunology in the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge and is an Emerita Fellow of King's College, Cambridge. She is widely regarded as a leading international expert in the immunology of human reproduction. Her groundbreaking genetic research has provided important insights into the causes of high rates of pre-eclampsia and maternal mortality Ugandan populations.
Her election as a Fellow of the Society recognises her outstanding and pioneering contributions to reproductive immunology and maternal health research. Through her work, she has significantly advanced understanding of the intricate relationship between the immune system and pregnancy, influencing global research on placental biology, pregnancy complications, and women’s health.
Professor Moffett received Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) in the New Year Honours in 2025 for services to reproductive health. She is a Fellow of both the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
In being elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, Professor Moffett has been recognised for her pioneering contributions to reproductive immunology and maternal health research. Her work has transformed understanding of the complex interactions between the immune system and pregnancy, helping to shape global research into placental biology, pregnancy disorders, and women’s health.
Professor Jon Simons, Head of the School of Biological Sciences said of the new Fellows,
“My warmest congratulations to this year’s elected Fellows. This recognition reflects not only their outstanding contributions to research and innovation, but also a shared commitment to advancing knowledge for the benefit of society. It is particularly powerful to see such exceptional women acknowledged this year, whose talent and leadership span disciplines, and I know their achievements will inspire the next generation of scientists.”
Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said:
“I am delighted to welcome this newest group of exceptional scientists to the Fellowship of the Royal Society.
“Their contributions reflect the highest standards of scientific endeavour. Whether advancing our understanding of vaccines or exploring the transformative potential of mathematics and computation, their work exemplifies the enduring value of curiosity, creativity and rigorous inquiry.
“Our Fellowship is strengthened not only by individual distinction, but by the diversity of perspectives and experiences its members bring. This incoming cohort highlights the truly international character of contemporary science and underscores the vital role that plays in achieving breakthroughs that benefit us all.”
In 2025 the Royal Society launched a year of celebration of the historical and contemporary achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), to support and empower more women and girls to get involved in science. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the election of the first two women to be Fellows of the Royal Society, Marjory Stephenson (NC 1903) and Kathleen Londsale (University College London).
Several Newnham alumnae and Honorary Fellows have been made Fellows of the Royal Society since Marjory in 1945:
Dr Agnes Arber (NC 1899)
Dr Marjory Stephenson (NC 1903)
Dr Inge Lehman (NC 1910)
Professor Dorothy Hill (NC 1930)
Professor Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin MBE (NC 1934)
Professor Brenda Milner (NC 1936)
Dr Olga Kennard (NC 1942)
Professor Anne Marie Treisman (NC 1953)
Professor Ruth Lynden-Bell (nee Truscott NC 1959)
Honorary Fellow Dr Brigid Hogan (NC 1961)
Professor Elizabeth A. Thompson (NC 1967)
Dame Henrietta Miriam Ottoline Leyser DBE (NC 1983)
Professor Ashley Moffett, CMG (NC 1967)
Honorary Fellow Professor Jan Anderson
Honorary Fellow Professor Patricia Simpson