APS Honours Two Former Chairs with Prestigious APS Medal
6 October 2026
The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) is delighted to announce that two former APS Chairs, Professor Hannah Batchelor and Professor Ryan Donnelly, have been awarded the prestigious APS Medal in recognition of their outstanding career-long contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, their exceptional service to the Academy, and their enduring role as ambassadors for the APS community.
One of the highest honours bestowed by the Academy, the APS Medal celebrates individuals whose scientific achievements, leadership, and commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences have had a lasting impact on the discipline. The award also recognises those who have championed the values and mission of APS, helping to strengthen the community of pharmaceutical scientists across academia, industry, healthcare and regulation.
Both awardees have made exceptional contributions to pharmaceutical science through internationally recognised research programmes, mentorship of future scientists, and dedicated leadership within APS. As former Chairs of the Academy, they have each played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation during periods of growth and transformation, while fostering collaboration, innovation and professional development across the sector.
Reflecting on receiving the APS Medal, Professor Hannah Batchelor spoke of the profound influence the Academy has had throughout her career.
“I was genuinely delighted to receive an APS Medal at the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences PharmSci Conference at Newcastle this year. The APS has played a huge part in my career. Through APS I have found collaborators, mentors, opportunities and a network that has continually challenged, supported and inspired me.”
Professor Batchelor highlighted the unique sense of community within APS and the professional relationships developed through decades of involvement with the Academy.
“Many of those professional connections have become great friends, which makes this recognition feel even more special. Looking back, receiving this award would have felt like a distant dream. Having people around you who believe in you, encourage you, challenge you and celebrate your successes makes an enormous difference.”
She also paid tribute to the many members who have influenced her journey.
“The APS network has shaped so much of my career that it’s impossible to thank everyone individually. If you’ve crossed paths with me through APS, then thank you. You’ve probably inspired me, supported me, challenged me or opened a door that helped me get to where I am today.”
Professor Ryan Donnelly, who received the Medal alongside Professor Batchelor, reflected on both the success of the PharmSci conference and the significance of the award.
“I very much enjoyed the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences PharmSci conference. The meeting showcased outstanding science, discussion and networking, and demonstrated the strength of the APS community at every level.”
Professor Donnelly acknowledged the efforts of the APS Board, volunteers, focus groups and members whose contributions continue to make the Academy a vibrant and influential professional society.
Speaking of the honour, he said:
“On a personal level, I was honoured to receive the APS Medal alongside Hannah Batchelor, from whom I learned a great deal while she superbly guided APS as Chair post-COVID.”
Professor Donnelly also reflected on the impact APS has had on his own professional development and that of his students.
“APS has played a strong role in supporting the development of my students and providing me with opportunities to lead and expand my activities beyond research and teaching. The Academy continues to create opportunities for scientists at every stage of their careers.”
Presenting the medals on behalf of the Academy, APS Chair Kofi Asare-Addo praised both recipients for their remarkable contributions to pharmaceutical sciences and their dedicated service to APS.
“Hannah and Ryan exemplify everything that the APS Medal represents. Their scientific achievements are internationally recognised, but equally important is the impact they have had on people. Through their leadership, mentorship and commitment to our community, they have inspired pharmaceutical scientists and strengthened APS as a professional home for our discipline.”
The recognition of two former Chairs in the same year highlights the central role that leadership, service and community play within APS. Their careers demonstrate how scientific excellence, combined with a commitment to supporting others, can have a lasting influence on both the profession and the people within it.
As APS celebrates its continued growth and impact, the award of the APS Medal to Professor Hannah Batchelor and Professor Ryan Donnelly serves as a fitting recognition of two distinguished scientists whose contributions have advanced pharmaceutical sciences, strengthened the Academy, and helped shape the future of the profession for generations to come.
Dr Kofi Asare-Addo
APS Chair
Left to Right: Dr Kofi Asare-Addo, Professor Hannah Batchelor, Professor Ryan Donnelly and Professor Gavin Andrews
