Philippa Saunders

  • 4Professor of Reproductive Steroids, The University of Edinburgh, UK
  • Co-Director EXPPECT Edinburgh, UK

Philippa Saunders’ research is focused on increasing our understanding of the ways in which sex steroids, their receptors and downstream signalling pathways, regulate reproductive and other tissues. Her studies have included seminal findings on the role of androgen receptors in male fertility and the role of oestrogens in endometrial function and malfunction. Her studies on endometriosis include development of novel model systems and their application to finding new therapeutic targets that can reduce endometriosis-associated symptoms including pain.

The excellence of her research contribution has been recognised by prestigious Fellowships of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci), the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) and a prestigious Fellowship ad eudeum of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRCOG) an honour only rarely bestowed on Scientists who are not active Clinicians.

She served as Registrar and as a member of Council for Academy of Medical Sciences (2016-2021) where she oversaw the election of more than 250 new fellows. She has served on numerous grant and fellowship boards nationally and internationally and was co-chair of an influential Academy report on careers in ‘Team Science’. She is passionate about supporting career development in biomedical sciences and has trained and mentored more that 50 students and fellows. She is active on social media and has been recognised for her contributions to public engagement.