QM gut expert awarded prestigious medal

Professor David van Heel

Professor David Van Heel will be given the Sir Francis Avery Jones research medal for his work on the genetics of coeliac disease.

The award will be given at the annual meeting of the British Society of Gastroenterology on Wednesday, March 25 at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre in Glasgow.

Professor Van Heel will also give a lecture on his research into the genetic causes of coeliac disease. 

Coeliac disease is a condition of the small intestine which can affect children and adults of all ages. People with the disease suffer a severe reaction to chemicals found in wheat, which can lead to digestive problems and weight loss.

David Van Heel is Professor of Gastrointestinal Genetics at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. He is the latest in a string of Queen Mary academics to take the prize. Previous winners include the Warden of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Professor Sir Nicholas Wright; the Deputy Warden, Professor Ray Playford; and Professor of Neurogastroenterology, Qasim Aziz.