St Mary’s University, London, congratulates Honorary Professor Dr Annalisa Jenkins on being awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to medicine and the life sciences.
Dr Jenkins was appointed Honorary Professor at St Mary’s in September 2025 and is a key figure supporting the development of the University’s new School of Medicine, which will open its doors to students this year. Through her role at the University, she contributes to shaping the School’s vision of educating human-centred, clinically advanced and digitally innovative doctors, committed to making a sustainable difference to society.
Her New Year Honours recognition reflects a career dedicated to improving health outcomes through innovation, leadership and service.
St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anthony McClaran, said: “We are delighted Dr Annalisa Jenkins has been recognised with an OBE. This is a richly deserved honour and a fitting recognition of her outstanding contribution to medicine and the life sciences. Her passion, expertise and commitment to improving health outcomes epitomise the values we hold dear at St Mary’s. We are proud to count Annalisa among our Honorary Professors and to celebrate her impact both within and beyond our academic community.”
A life sciences thought leader, Dr Jenkins has held a wide range of senior roles across the public, private and charitable sectors. These include Non-Executive Director at Genomics England, Trustee of the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research Horizons, Vice-Chair of The King’s Fund, Chair of the Lady Garden Foundation, and former Chair of Court at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Originally training in cardiovascular medicine, Dr Jenkins studied medicine at the University of London before becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and later specialising in cardiology. She served as a medical officer in the Royal Navy during the Gulf War, achieving the rank of Surgeon Lieutenant Commander, and has since held senior leadership roles in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, including at Dimension Therapeutics, Merck Serono and Bristol Myers Squibb.