Professor Sir Peter Lachman

Sir Peter Lachmann FRS FMedSci, Academy President 1998-2002
Sir Peter Lachmann FRS FMedSci, Academy President 1998-2002

Sir Peter Lachmann FRS FMedSci trained in medicine at Cambridge and University College Hospital and obtained a PhD and ScD in Cambridge in immunology.

His principal research interests are:

  • The immunochemistry, biology and genetics of the complement system.
  • Microbial immunology. Particular topics include microbial subversion of the innate immune response and the immunology of measles.
  • Enhancement of the immune response and its relevance to vaccines.
  • Immunopathology, particularly in relation to systemic LE and to multiple sclerosis.
  • Insect sting allergy.

He is emeritus Sheila Joan Smith Professor of Immunology in the University of Cambridge and a fellow of Christ’s College. .

He was the founder President of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences (1998-2002) and has served as its representative on the Inter Academy Medical Panel executive (2000-2006). He has been Biological secretary of the Royal Society (1993-98) and President of the Royal College of Pathologists (1990-93); and served on UNESCO’s international bioethics committee from 1993-98. In these capacities he has become involved with the ethical and policy aspects of medical science, particularly in connection with public health, vaccination, stem cells, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and genetically modified food crops.