MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff Elected to the Royal Society and the American Philosophical Society

EAST LANSING, Mich. (June 4, 2026) — The MSU Research Foundation congratulates Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff, MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor and President Emerita of Michigan State University, on her election to two of the world’s most prestigious academic societies: the Royal Society and the American Philosophical Society (APS).

Dr. Woodruff is among more than 90 global leaders in science elected to the Royal Society in 2026, an honor that recognizes contributions across scientific disciplines. She was also elected to the American Philosophical Society, which honors achievement across science, the humanities, and public leadership. Together, these recognitions place Dr. Woodruff among a select group of scholars whose influence spans both scientific innovation and broader societal impact.

An internationally recognized leader in reproductive science, Dr. Woodruff is widely credited with founding the field of oncofertility, creating new pathways for cancer patients to preserve fertility while undergoing life-saving treatments. Her work exemplifies the kind of translational research that bridges fundamental discovery and real-world impact.

“Teresa’s election to both the Royal Society and the American Philosophical Society is a remarkable and well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary contributions to science and humanity,” said David Washburn, CEO of the Michigan State University Research Foundation. “She is a visionary scholar whose work has transformed lives, advanced an entirely new field of medicine, and elevated Michigan State’s global impact. We are immensely proud to count her among our MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professors.”

Dr. Woodruff’s election to both societies underscores her ability to pair scientific excellence with leadership and public impact. Her career reflects MSU’s land-grant mission—translating knowledge into benefits for people, communities, and society at large.

“It is deeply humbling to be elected to these historic and distinguished societies,” said Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff. “This recognition reflects not only my own journey, but the extraordinary colleagues, students, and collaborators who have helped advance our work. I am proud to represent Michigan State University, where the groundbreaking drugs cisplatin and carboplatin were discovered. Now our youngest cancer patient can survive their disease with future fertility intact. I look forward to continuing making discoveries that improve lives around the world from my laboratory here in East Lansing.”

The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is the United Kingdom’s national academy of sciences and includes many of history’s most prominent scientific figures. The American Philosophical Society, founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, recognizes leaders across disciplines who have made significant contributions to advancing knowledge and public good.

Dr. Woodruff is an MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor. This designation, established in 2014, is awarded to faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, based on recommendations from their college or dean. Recipients retain the title throughout their tenure and typically receive additional research support for five years. More than 60 faculty members have received this honor.