Prof Russell Foster

Professor Foster's research addresses how circadian rhythms and sleep are generated and regulated and what happens when these systems fail as a result of societal pressures and/or disease. A key finding was the discovery and characterization of an unrecognized light-detecting system within the eye that regulates circadian rhythms and sleep, and most recently, the translation of this work to the clinic. He was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society in 2008 and the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2013. In 2015 he received the Order of Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Science. He is a member of the Governing Council of the Royal Society, and he established and led for six years the Royal Society Public Engagement Committee. Professor Foster is also a Trustee of the Science Museum. Based upon their research, they have established a spin-out company called Circadian Therapeutics. He has been honoured to receive multiple national and international awards.

Professor Foster is one of the convenors of the Sleep and the Rhythms of Life Network (2022-2024)